Round Ligament Pain

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Your body changes during pregnancy to make room for the growing baby. The uterus (womb) gets bigger as your baby grows. Round ligaments (lih-guh-ments) are found on each side of your uterus. These ligaments hook the uterus to the inside of the abdomen (belly) and hold the uterus in place. The round ligaments are pulled and stretched as the uterus gets bigger. This may cause pain which is called round ligament pain. It is not serious and is a normal part of pregnancy. Round ligament pain will not hurt your baby.

Causes: Round ligament pain is caused by the stretching of the round ligaments during pregnancy. There is nothing you can do to keep from getting this pain while pregnant.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen (belly).

Care: It may help to rest on the side of your abdomen that has the pain. Standing and walking straight may keep the round ligaments from being stretched too much. Squatting or bringing your knees to your chest may help the cramping.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about round ligament pain and how it can be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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