Round ligament syndrome is a type of abdominal pain in pregnancy, specifically, on the bottom and sides of your belly, but it can be felt up to your groin. It is a “throbbing” sensation, a sharp and transient pain that can affect you from the second trimester of pregnancy.

The round ligament is actually a series of fibers around your uterus that connect it to the pelvis and, in essence, support your belly in pregnancy. As your belly grows, these ligaments thicken and stretch more and more. For most mothers, this process goes unnoticed, while others less fortunate suffer acute pain.

Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy: 11 Effective Ways to Relieve

Control your movements

As far as possible, make sure your movements are subtle like when you stand up, turn around or walk. And if you can not control it (like a sneeze, laughter or a cough), flex your hips to minimize the pull on the ligament.

Sleeping with a pillow

When you are lying down you can rest your belly on a pillow for pregnant women so that the muscle should not carry all the weight. In addition, the pillow helps you feel more comfortable, so you end up moving less to find that ideal position.

Temporarily change the intensity of your daily activities

The most pain of the round ligament is performed during a particularly uncomfortable growth stage or fetal position. Take a day or two after exercise, sexual activity or anything else that aggravates the discomfort.

Apply heat in the painful area

It can be hot water, heat packs or creams with heat effect. High temperatures reduce muscle spasms and relax the ligament.

Wear low shoes

Avoid shoes with high heels from the second trimester of pregnancy so as not to exaggerate the lumbar curvature. Also, as you walk, stretch the spine upwards (as if you were “growing up”), keep your shoulders away from your head.

Do not flex the spine

To collect something from the ground, it is advisable to tilt the trunk forward keeping the spine stretched and flex the legs so as not to flex the spine.

Maintain a correct posture at work

In a sitting position, avoid postures with crossed legs. You have to sit with your pelvis and spine in a neutral position. It is about sitting on the ischia (the bones of the ass) and not behind them. Keep the spine elongated and not remain with the back rounded.

Exercise as directed

Gentle exercise can loosen the ligaments and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you and how often to do them. For most healthy women, a good goal is to try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. If the activity causes you pain, try not to walk too long or too far at the same time. Use a support belt for pregnant women. Belts or bands for pregnant women help relieve the weight of the belly and provide support to the back.

Rest as often as possible

Rest can help relieve pain in the round ligament. You can lie on the side where you are in pain. Sudden movement can stretch the ligaments and cause pain. Stand up, sit down and change position slowly. You can also sit and bring your knees to the abdomen. This can help relieve tension in the ligaments.

Medications

Before taking any medication or start any treatment you should consult your doctor. In general, acetaminophen is allowed during pregnancy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by stimulating you to strategic points in your body so that it releases the energy to heal on its own. Although there seem to be no adverse effects when using acupuncture in pregnancy, check with your doctor first to see if it is advisable in your case.

Never assume that the pain in pregnancy is normal. Contact your health care provider and discuss all the symptoms before assuming any abdominal, back or side pain as simply the result of your growing belly and child. Follow the directions. Acetaminophen can damage the liver. Excess medication can be harmful to your baby.  Divide the exercise into short series and then practice.

If you have round ligament syndrome, the pain is acute but lasts only a few seconds, usually when you move. Permanent pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, fevers, back pain, nausea, dizziness, burning during urination or contractions, may be signs of other ailments and you should see the doctor immediately.