What Is Round Ligament Pain?
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey for a woman, filled with numerous changes in her body. Along with the joy and anticipation, it can also bring discomfort and challenges. One common symptom during pregnancy is Round Ligament Pain. Round ligament pain is a common concern during pregnancy and can affect a woman's quality of life. Let us explore how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with this symptom.
What is Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy, typically experienced during the second trimester. It manifests as sharp or dull pain or aching in the lower abdomen or groin area, often felt on one or both sides. This discomfort stems from the stretching and pulling of the round ligaments, which support the uterus in the pelvis.
The round ligaments on either side of the uterus undergo significant stretching and lengthening during pregnancy as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. This stretching can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, resulting in round ligament pain.
Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy
It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of round ligament pain to distinguish it from other pregnancy-related or potential health issues. Here are the primary symptoms associated with round ligament pain:
Sharp or Stabbing Pain:
Round ligament pain typically manifests as sharp, stabbing, or shooting pains felt on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. The pain is often sudden and intense and may be alarming at first. The intensity can vary from person to person.
Location of the Pain:
The pain is usually felt low down on either side of the abdomen and may be more pronounced on the right or left, depending on which round ligament is affected. It may also extend into the groin area or the hips.
Pain Triggers:
Movement-related actions often trigger round ligament pain. Common triggers include standing up, rolling over in bed, sudden changes in position, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or any sudden movements that stretch the ligaments.
Intermittent Pain:
The pain is often intermittent, coming and going rather than being constant. It may last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
Occurrence During Pregnancy:
Round ligament pain typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy, around weeks 14 to 26. It can also occur earlier or later in some cases.
Absence of Other Symptoms:
Round ligament pain is usually not accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, vaginal bleeding, significant cramping, or other signs of complications. If you experience these additional symptoms, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
No Lasting Effects:
Although round ligament pain can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, it doesn't cause any lasting harm to you or your baby. Once the ligaments adjust to the changes in your uterus and body, the pain typically subsides.
Differentiation from Other Pains:
It's crucial to differentiate round ligament pain from other potential causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy, such as preterm labour, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal issues. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Coping with Round Ligament Pain
Rest and Proper Posture: Round ligament pain typically gets worse when your pelvis rotates anteriorly and your lower back arches excessively. This will result in additional stretch in the round ligament which will trigger the pain. Maintaining good posture and taking frequent breaks to rest can help alleviate the discomfort associated with round ligament pain. Avoiding sudden movements and maintaining a proper body alignment can contribute to reducing strain on the ligaments.
Gentle Exercises: Engaging in gentle stretching and prenatal exercises prescribed by a healthcare provider can provide relief. These exercises help in improving posture, flexibility and strength of the muscles around the ligaments, reducing the strain.
Warm Compresses: Applying lukewarm compresses or taking warm baths can help relax the muscles and ligaments, offering relief from the pain.
Kinesiotaping & Supportive Clothing: Taping is an effective method to reduce the stretch and stress on the round ligament. Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can teach you the proper technique of taping to help alleviate your pain. Wearing supportive maternity belts or bands can provide additional support to the lower abdomen and ease the strain on the round ligaments.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Alleviating Round Ligament Pain
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the supportive muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvis and more. It is an effective treatment for Round Ligament Pain. Here is how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help:
Improving the Function of Your Pelvic Floor Muscles:
The pelvic floor muscles form a crucial support system for the uterus and surrounding ligaments. During pregnancy. These muscles experience increased pressure due to the growing uterus. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy involves targeted exercises that strengthen these muscles and improve their function, providing better support to the ligaments and reducing strain, which can help mitigate round ligament pain.
Improving Muscle Tone and Flexibility:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy includes exercises to enhance muscle tone and flexibility. Addressing tension in the areas that might have been affected by changes during pregnancy and strengthening core muscles to provide better support is crucial for reducing round ligament pain. This improved muscle balance contributes to better posture, reduced stress on ligaments, and improved overall stability in the pelvic region. As a result, the ligaments experience less strain and tension, potentially easing the discomfort associated with round ligament pain.
Enhancing Postural Awareness:
Physiotherapists specializing in Pelvic Floor and Pregnancy Rehabilitation guide individuals in maintaining proper posture and body mechanics. This education is particularly beneficial during pregnancy when shifts in posture and weight distribution can exacerbate round ligament pain. Round ligament pain exacerbates when your pelvis rotates anteriorly as your baby grows in your uterus. This will result in additional stretch of the round ligament which will trigger the pain. By understanding and implementing proper postural techniques, pregnant women can alleviate strain on the ligaments and manage discomfort more effectively.
Promoting Relaxation Techniques:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy often incorporates relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension. Relaxation exercises can be particularly useful in managing round ligament pain, as they can ease muscle spasms and decrease the intensity of the pain experienced.
Addressing Associated Symptoms:
Aside from addressing round ligament pain, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can also help manage other common pregnancy-related issues. This may include addressing urinary incontinence, lower back pain, ribcage pain & etc. By addressing these issues, individuals can experience an overall improvement in their comfort and quality of life during pregnancy.
Individualized Care and Education:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy provides personalized care and education tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each individual. Your Physiotherapist works closely with you to teach you techniques and exercises that can be practiced at home, empowers you to actively manage your discomfort and improve your overall well-being during pregnancy.
We Can Help!
Despite its prevalence, round ligament pain can be treated during pregnancy. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is an effective way to address this pain and optimize your pregnancy experience. Understanding how to manage round ligament pain is crucial for a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy journey. It is important to always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations and know that you are not alone in this journey!