Round ligament pain is a fairly common, albeit painful, complaint of pregnant women. It typically begins to appear during the second trimester of pregnancy, when the uterus begins to dilate. At this stage, the round ligament begins to become thin and taut like an elongated rubber band, to provide support for the expanding uterus. Sometimes, the ligament contracts or spasms on its own, causing pain that can be moderate but also severe. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the pain and discomfort of the round ligament during pregnancy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Managing the Pain
Step 1. See your gynecologist for a diagnosis
Any sudden onset of pain should be investigated as soon as possible by your doctor so that he can determine the cause. Pain in the lower abdomen can be a symptom of something more serious, including appendicitis or even a sign of premature birth. Don't assume it's just a round ligament spasm.
Go to the hospital right away if you experience pain accompanied by fever, chills and painful urination, vaginal bleeding, or physical pain that is more than "moderate"
Step 2. Change location
If you find yourself standing when the pain starts, try sitting down; if it starts when you are sitting, get up and start walking. To change positions and stop the round ligament pain you can bend, stretch, and lie down.
Step 3. Lie on the opposite side of the body from the one in pain
This type of disorder can occur on both sides, but many women experience more discomfort on the right side. Lie on the opposite side, then, to relieve the pressure and stop the pain.
Step 4. Move slowly
If you get up quickly from a sitting, lying or otherwise resting position, you can stimulate ligament contractions and consequently pain. Therefore, it is advisable to move slowly and carefully during posture changes, in order to prevent possible cramps or spasms in the ligament already under tension.
Step 5. Prevent pain caused by sudden movements, such as a cough or sneeze
If you feel you are about to sneeze, cough, or even laugh, try flexing your hips and bending your knees. This movement reduces the sudden tension that the ligament would be subjected to and which would cause pain.
Step 6. Try to get plenty of rest
Rest is one of your most effective weapons against pain caused by stretching the round ligament.
Step 7. Apply heat to the painful area
Excessive heat is harmful to the baby, but in controlled applications it helps to relax the uterus and relieve pain. You can't put an electric warmer on your belly during pregnancy, but there are some remedies you can do:
- A warm bath can be very relaxing and helps relieve pain due to the tension of the round ligament that has to support the expanding uterus.
- A warm (not hot) compress to apply to the pelvic area where you feel pain is also effective and can relieve discomfort.
- A bath in the tub or even a pool of warm water is another way to reduce pain, because the water reduces the load the ligament has to bear due to buoyancy.
- However, avoid water that is too hot, such as hot tub water, as it could raise your body temperature and harm your baby.
Step 8. Massage the painful area
A prenatal massage is a great help in soothing the normal discomfort due to pregnancy, as well as relieving the pain of the round ligament. Consult your doctor or a therapist qualified in prenatal massage to undergo this procedure in complete safety. Rub or massage the abdominal area very gently to reduce pain and facilitate relaxation.
Only consult a qualified massage therapist who is experienced in treating pregnant women. Normal massage techniques are often not suitable in this circumstance, because they can harm the child's development due to excessive pressure. Search the internet to find competent and experienced therapists or ask your gynecologist for advice
Step 9. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
An alternative to reduce pain is to take medications that are safe during pregnancy, such as acetaminophen. However, remember to seek your doctor's advice before taking these medicines, including acetaminophen.
When you are pregnant, do not take ibuprofen, unless specifically directed by your gynecologist (which is very unlikely). NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are almost never safe during the third trimester
Part 2 of 3: Preventing the Pain
Step 1. Include stretching exercises as an integral part of your daily routine
For your safety, and to protect your child, consult your doctor before considering integrating any type of training.
- One stretching exercise that is often recommended for mothers-to-be is to get on all fours, lowering the head to the floor and keeping the butt elevated in the air.
- Pelvic tilts, kneeling and hip angle range exercises may also be beneficial.
Step 2. Learn about prenatal yoga
Some yoga poses are especially recommended during this time to help relieve pain caused by round ligament tension. Specifically, there are two recommended positions: that of the cat and a variant of the position of the corpse (Savasana).
- To do the cat pose, kneel on all fours with your fingers wide apart and facing forward. Inhale and arch your back, dropping your head and pushing your pelvis forward. Exhale, bringing the belly towards the floor and stretching the body in order to stretch the round ligament. Repeat several times.
- The Savasana position, in general, is that of relaxation and is performed at the end of a yoga session. To do it, put yourself on in the fetal position with one arm extended to support the head or use a pillow. This position is performed on the left side during pregnancy, with a pillow between the legs to relieve lower back pressure.
Step 3. Use a pillow
Place a pillow between your knees and under your abdomen when lying down or going to sleep, doing so relieves the pressure on the ligament. The pillow between the knees should also help you feel more comfortable.
Step 4. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
If you hold these positions without taking breaks, you further strain the ligament which stretches and stretches. If your job involves staying in a standing or sitting position for a long time, try to take as many breaks as possible and rest.
- Take specific measures to make your sitting position more comfortable. If you can, get an adjustable chair to adjust as the pregnancy progresses, and avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
- Consider using a pillow that fits your body shape, to provide lower back support and to help you maintain proper posture.
Step 5. Pay attention to posture
Avoid locking your knees and let your hips lean forward. Also, if you notice that your lower back arch is developing too much, know that you are more likely to experience round ligament pain.
Step 6. Drink plenty of fluids
You need to stay well hydrated during pregnancy to ensure the health of the body, including tense ligaments and muscles. Adequate fluid intake also prevents other unwanted problems from arising, such as constipation or bladder infections.
Step 7. Use a pelvic support
You can wear a pregnancy-specific brace or abdominal garment; know that it is invisible under clothing and you can safely wear it. This type of support band or straps help lift the uterus, hips, and round ligament; it also provides back support.
Step 8. Work with a physical therapist
You can go to one of these professionals during pregnancy to help relieve ligament pain. These are people with extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and can recommend appropriate and safe stretching exercises during pregnancy.
Part 3 of 3: Medical Care
Step 1. Contact your gynecologist as soon as you experience a sudden onset of pain
If round ligament pain is accompanied by vaginal discharge or bleeding, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. You must be examined immediately even if the following symptoms are present:
- Pain that lasts more than a few seconds.
- New symptoms such as back pain, fever, chills, weakness, nausea or vomiting after the first trimester.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor if pain persists
If you experience constant pain or pressure in the abdominal area, achiness or discomfort when walking or urinating, and increasing pressure in the pelvic region, be aware that these could all be signs of something more severe than round ligament pain. Go to the emergency room immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Step 3. Be careful not to confuse round ligament pain with impending birth
The latter usually does not occur until the third trimester, while ligament pain typically occurs during the second trimester, when the uterus begins to enlarge and expand.
Round ligament pain could be confused with Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although this type of contraction begins during the second trimester, it doesn't actually cause pain
Advice
- See your gynecologist if you have any symptoms that appear to be related to the round ligament. Your doctor will be able to correctly diagnose this disorder and rule out any more serious problems.
- Do not struggle with exercises when exercising, as this may aggravate the pain in the round ligament.
- Always seek the advice of your gynecologist before taking any type of medication and before starting any new physical activity, including yoga.
