Real Talk: A Woman’s Experience with Round Ligament Pain and the Mystery of Abdominal Discomfort in Pregnancy

In this post, the user describes a sudden and excruciating pain on her lower right abdomen that began as a “slight pulling sensation” and escalated into sharp, stabbing pain. She initially assumed it was round ligament pain, a common pregnancy discomfort, but the intensity of the pain led her to seek medical attention twice.

Despite the hospital tests showing no abnormalities, the pain persisted, leaving her confused and anxious.

Round Ligament Pain: A Common but Sometimes Mystifying Symptom

So, what exactly is round ligament pain?

Round ligament pain typically occurs when the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch to accommodate a growing baby. This pain is most often felt as a sharp or dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin area and is especially common during the second trimester.

It can be triggered by sudden movements, like standing up too quickly, coughing, or rolling over in bed. As a Prenatal Massage Therapist who performs Round Ligament Massage, I’ve seen many different causes for flare-ups. However, some pain may be part of the round ligament having to stretch from 2 centimeters to 12 centimeters, holding the weight of the uterus and fetus. That may not feel especially nice all of the time.

The “pulling” is a key piece of evidence and suggests something internally might be stretching quite a bit. Of course, this is true for the RL!

Palpation along the Round Ligament can tell if this sensation may be associated with the Round Ligament when we do out assessment.

Most women experience round ligament pain as a brief, sharp sensation, but for some, like No_Ocelot8629, it can feel much more intense and disorienting. Some women actually puke.

It’s a nerve-rich area, and round ligament pain can be super-intense.

For No_Ocelot8629, the pain started as a slight pulling sensation on both sides of her abdomen, which she initially attributed to round ligament pain. However, the next morning, it escalated into 8/10 stabbing pain localized to her lower right abdomen.

For me, that suggests that the Round Ligament has a high probability of being of issue, as this is fairly common with this particular cause.

The weight of the baby is not always distributed evenly amongst the two ligaments, while the fetus leans to one side or the other.

The baby can be turned, and an LMT can even do this, when it’s a severe issue in the latter-part of pregnancy.

I have successfully done so, as an LMT, with a physician’s prescription.

Of course, there are many other Medical Professionals who are also amply competent, from nurses to ob-gyns.

There’s even a commercial training focusing on “Spinning the Baby,” however this is not a requirement for success.

The pain described by No_Ocelot8629  was so severe that she sought medical help, yet despite undergoing tests at the ER, doctors found no abnormalities. She was sent home after receiving pain medication, but the pain returned hours later, and she had to return to the hospital again.

Validation: It’s Normal to Feel Confused and Frustrated

For many women experiencing round ligament pain, it can be difficult to differentiate between what’s “normal” and what might indicate a more serious issue. The fear of the unknown is real, and No_Ocelot8629’s post speaks to that anxiety. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or even “crazy” when faced with excruciating pain but no clear answers.

It’s important to note that while round ligament pain is rarely dangerous, it can still be extremely painful, leaving women feeling frustrated and uncertain. The sharp, intense nature of the pain can be alarming, especially when it doesn’t subside as expected or when it feels like something more is going wrong.

Women experiencing this kind of discomfort may feel like they’re the only ones going through it. But the reality is that round ligament pain is incredibly common in pregnancy, even though it’s not always talked about in detail.

In fact, many women share similar experiences. One commenter on Reddit responded to No_Ocelot8629’s post, saying:

“Any time I’ve had round ligament pain it’s hurt so bad I can’t even stand up straight. For me it’s been the sharpest, shooting pain that can almost take my breath away for a minute. I remember my Ob telling me it could happen on either side but it’s more common on the right side, and it usually is from “moving wrong or suddenly”. I often felt it while trying to get out of bed. ”
(Mindless-Try-5410 Reddit Commenter)

Hearing other women’s experiences can provide a sense of reassurance, especially when dealing with something as isolating as pregnancy pain. It’s easy to feel like the only one in the world going through something so intense, but Reddit communities like r/pregnant offer a space where women can find solidarity and support.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

While round ligament pain is typically not a cause for concern, there are instances when it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. If the pain is severe and persistent, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding or dizziness, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention.

It’s also important to trust your instincts. If something feels off or the pain doesn’t seem to fit the pattern of typical round ligament pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or go to the ER. It’s better to err on the side of caution and have it checked out than to worry in silence.

What You Can Do for Relief

If you’re experiencing round ligament pain, there are a few ways you can ease the discomfort:

1. Move Slowly: Sudden movements, like standing up quickly, can trigger pain. Try to move slowly and with awareness. When you first begin moving, ease into motion. No sudden jerking.

2. Gentle Stretching: Doing gentle stretches or Prenatal Hatha Yoga can sometimes alleviate the tension in your ligaments.

3. Rest: If the pain flares up, give yourself permission to rest and take it easy. (This can be difficult if you’re still working in an office or have to otherwise leave the home for work.)

4. Heat Therapy: A warm (not hot) compress or a heating pad on the lower abdomen can help ease the pain.

5. Hydration: Dehydration can sometimes exacerbate muscle cramps or ligament pain, so make sure you’re staying hydrated.

6. Supportive Belly Band: Some women find that wearing a pregnancy support belt helps reduce the strain on their ligaments, offering more comfort.

7. Round Ligament Massage: Find a licensed and perinatal-certified LMT who does in-home visits. Prenatal Massage and Pelvic Floor Massage can help Round Ligament pain immensely.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

To No_Ocelot8629 and other women experiencing intense abdominal pain during pregnancy — whether it’s round ligament pain or something else — remember that your experience is valid. The pain is real, even if the medical tests don’t show anything alarming. You’re not crazy for feeling it, and you’re definitely not alone.

It’s important to listen to your body and take care of yourself. While discomfort and pain are common during pregnancy, it’s also essential to reach out for support when you need it — whether that’s from a doctor, your partner, or fellow moms who understand what you’re going through.

If you’re dealing with round ligament pain or any other discomfort, take comfort in knowing that many women before you have faced it, and they’ve come out on the other side just fine. It may be difficult right now, but you’re doing great, and your body is doing incredible things as it supports your growing baby.