During pregnancy, have you ever felt a sudden, sharp pain usually located on one side (but can be both) of your lower abdomen? Was the pain exacerbated by sudden movements like coughing, sneezing or rolling too quickly in bed? This could be a sign that you might be experiencing round ligament pain!
What are the round ligaments?
Did you know? Women don’t only have one but two round ligaments! They are rope-like cords attached to either side of the uterus and inserted into each groin. The role of these ligaments is to support and maintain the uterus in a proper position during foetal growth.
In non-pregnant patients, the round ligaments measure between 10cm – 12cm long. Throughout pregnancy, these same ligaments can stretch up to 30 to 40cm! This rapid extension can occasionally be a source of discomfort. Think of the ropes (round ligaments) of a hot air balloon (uterus) that attach onto the basket (pelvis). As the hot air balloon fills with air and grows bigger, the ropes get pulled tighter and tighter. This is the reason why some sudden movements can irritate the round ligaments that are already very stretched. Misalignments of the pelvis and sacrum (the basket) can also cause torsion in the uterus and therefore increase tension in one ligament.
This pain, similar to a deep stitch, typically starts in the 2nd trimester onwards when the uterus starts changing shape and position from the growing baby. Although some people experience round ligament earlier in the pregnancy. Despite being a common complaint during pregnancy, it can be debilitating for some.
What can I do to ease ligament pain?
1. Get checked by your chiropractor:
Getting your spine and nerve system checked by a chiropractor supports the body to adapt to the rapid physiological and physical changes associated with pregnancy. Correcting dysfunctions in the pelvis and sacrum particularly will help reduce torsion in the uterus and therefore tension in the round ligaments. Your chiropractor will also spend time assessing if these ligaments need to be released. This can allow optimal room for baby to grow and move into an appropriate position. It has been researched that chiropractic may help to reduce the probability of having a breech baby and assist with a safer, easier birth.
2. Warm compresses:
Heat can help alleviate the discomfort associated with round ligament pain
3. Avoid rapid change of position:
Move slowly and consciously to prevent over-stretching the round ligaments
4. Maintain movement in the water:
Keep your body moving to help maintain optimal function of the pelvis. If walking is uncomfortable, water immersion helps reduce the effect of gravity on the body.
5. Engage your abs:
Activating your core will help keep the uterus closer to your pressure and take some pressure off the round ligament.
If you or another expecting mum out there are navigating challenges from round ligament pain, please get in touch! We would love to help!
Dr. Julie
