Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy due to the stretching of the ligament that supports the uterus. It can also be caused by endometriosis, spasms, or exercise. The pain is usually on the right side and can be relieved by rest or stretching exercises. Severe pain or other symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.
The most likely cause of round ligament pain is pregnancy. Anatomically, the round ligament supports the uterus, and stretching the ligament causes pain. Other causes of round ligament pain include endometriosis and involuntary spasms.
During pregnancy, the round ligament is stretched and women may experience pain. As the uterus grows to support the growing fetus, the round ligament must stretch to accommodate and support it. In addition to the increasing size of the fetus putting strain on the round ligament, the weight of the fetus can also lead to stress on the round ligament and lead to pain.
Most commonly the pain is located on the right side of the abdomen during pregnancy. This is largely because the uterus is naturally located towards the right side of a woman’s body. Some may confuse this as a bout of appendicitis, when in fact it is due to the round ligament that pulls on the nerves related to the female reproductive organs and system. Pain from a round ligament is most common on the right side, but women can feel it on both sides of their body during pregnancy.
Pregnant women typically begin experiencing round ligament pain during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this time, the uterus is in the process of expanding at an accelerated rate to accommodate the rapidly growing fetus. Pregnant women may also start to notice pain when they get up or move quickly.
Another possible cause of pain associated with this ligament is the widening of blood vessels in the ligament during pregnancy. These enlarged blood vessels can cause pain and swelling. Eventually, blood vessels from the ligament teres drain into the veins of the pelvis during pregnancy.
Other conditions can also cause round ligament pain. This includes conditions in women who aren’t pregnant, such as endometriosis. Other possible causes include spasms and cramps. Ligament pain can also be caused by exercise.
The pain typically only lasts for a short time. Most commonly, rest relieves ligament pain associated with movement, especially later in pregnancy. A doctor may also suggest some stretching exercises for pain relief.
Severe abdominal pain should be discussed with a doctor, especially during pregnancy. Other conditions, such as appendicitis, may be responsible for the pain. A doctor should also be consulted if pain persists for more than a few minutes or is accompanied by bleeding or vomiting.
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