Round Ligament Pain
Sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides of lower abdomen. Common in second trimester as ligaments stretch to support growing uterus.
Sources: ACOG, NIH | Last updated: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually begins second trimester, can continue into third trimester
📊 How Common
Affects 50-70% of pregnant women
Overview
Round ligament pain is characterized by a sharp, shooting pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or groin area. It typically occurs during the second trimester and can catch you off guard with its sudden intensity.
The round ligaments are bands of tissue that support your uterus. As your uterus grows rapidly during pregnancy, these ligaments stretch and thicken. When you move suddenly - standing up quickly, rolling over, sneezing, or laughing - the ligaments contract quickly, causing a brief, sharp pain.
While startling and uncomfortable, round ligament pain is completely harmless and very common. It typically lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes and resolves on its own.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Rarely occurs as uterus is still relatively small
Second Trimester
Most common as uterus grows most rapidly
Third Trimester
May continue but usually less sharp as ligaments have stretched
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Round ligaments stretching to accommodate growing uterus
- •Sudden movements causing ligaments to contract quickly
- •Rapid increase in uterus size during second trimester
- •Relaxin hormone causing ligament loosening
- •Position of baby putting pressure on ligaments
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Move slowly and deliberately - avoid sudden movements
- ✓When changing positions, move slowly and use your arms for support
- ✓Before sneezing or coughing, bend and flex your hips
- ✓Apply warmth to painful area (warm compress or heating pad on low)
- ✓Rest in a comfortable position when pain occurs
- ✓Wear a pregnancy support belt for additional support
- ✓Do prenatal yoga with gentle stretches
- ✓Practice good posture
- ✓Sleep with a pillow between your legs for support
- ✓Take a warm bath to relax muscles and ligaments
- ✓Avoid exercises that involve sudden starts and stops
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Maternity Belly Support Band
Adjustable belly band that adds gentle support for your back and bump.
Check Price on Amazon →Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow
U-shaped support for side-sleeping that helps take pressure off hips and back.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Pain is severe, persistent, or doesn't go away with rest
- ⚠Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or bleeding
- ⚠Pain with painful urination
- ⚠Four or more abdominal cramps in an hour
- ⚠Pain radiating to back or becoming constant
- ⚠Severe cramping or contractions
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: