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Discomfort in abdomen during pregnancy
Hip pain in pregnancy
Pulling sensation in abdomen
Lower abdominal pain
Pain around belly button
Pain resembles labor
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
Water broke
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Round Ligament Pain?
This condition occurs during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, when women experience sharp pain in the groin or lower abdominal area. It is caused by the stretching of the round ligament, which supports the growing uterus during pregnancy.
Typical Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain
- Currently pregnant
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Groin pain
- Pain in the lower right abdomen
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower left abdomen
- Pain in the pelvis
- Pain around the belly button
Diagnostic Questions for Round Ligament Pain
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you have any stomach or abdominal pain?
- Are you experiencing groin pain?
- Do you have pain in the lower right abdomen?
- Do you have pain in your lower abdomen?
Treatment of Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain can be treated with stretching exercises. Warm compresses or a hot bath may also help. In severe cases, painkillers can be taken with a doctor's advice.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Feb 3, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Stomachache
- Pain in the groin
- I have lower abdominal pain
- Tenderness in the groin
- I have left lower abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower right stomach
- Upper left abdominal pain
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Have periodic abdominal pain
- Have pelvic pain
- Sharp abdominal pain
- Stomach pain with diarrhea
- Localized abdominal pain
- Flank pain
See full list
Symptoms Related to Round Ligament Pain
Diseases Related to Round Ligament Pain
FAQs
Q.
Binder pain? Why your core is failing to heal & medical next steps.
A.
Binder pain often signals either too much compression or that your core is not healing well; common underlying issues include diastasis recti, nerve irritation, hernia, scar restrictions, and pelvic floor dysfunction. There are several factors to consider. See below for the complete explanation and red flags that need urgent care. Next steps usually include seeing a doctor to rule out hernia, infection, or nerve problems and starting pelvic floor or core physical therapy, along with gradual weaning from the binder and improved breathing and deep core activation. For nuances like postpartum round ligament pain and how to progress safely, see the detailed guidance below.
References:
* El-Sayed, A. M. H., van der Post, J. T. E., & van der Linden, M. G. H. W. (2021). Abdominal binder use in post-operative patients: A systematic review. *Surgery, 170*(1), 210–218. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.10.021. PMID: 33153860.
* Khan, S. K., Khubchandani, R. W., & Malik, R. K. (2018). Chronic abdominal wall pain: A systematic review of diagnosis and management. *Pain Practice, 18*(3), 383–393. doi: 10.1111/papr.12642. PMID: 29193630.
* Krpata, J. W., Li, P. H. K., Kim, E. J., & Rosen, J. M. (2018). Biology of abdominal wall fascial healing. *Hernia, 22*(2), 225–231. doi: 10.1007/s10029-017-1721-y. PMID: 29327289.
* Lee, E. K. K., Cheong, A. A. K., & Wong, J. K. W. (2022). Treatment of diastasis recti abdominis: A literature review. *International Urogynecology Journal, 33*(7), 1929–1941. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05187-0. PMID: 35520847.
* Liu, T. T., Wang, B., Cui, S. Y., Xie, H. X., Zhang, M. D., & Zhang, C. (2022). The effect of core stability exercises on chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 35*(2), 221–232. doi: 10.3233/BMR-210034. PMID: 34180424.
Q.
Mirena IUD Pain? Why Your Body is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Mirena IUD pain is often normal early on: cramping, pelvic or back discomfort, and spotting can occur for days to months as the uterus and hormones adjust; seek urgent care for severe or worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, foul discharge, sudden sharp pain, inability to find strings with pain, or any pain with a positive pregnancy test. For relief and next steps, use approved NSAIDs if safe, heat, gentle movement, rest, and schedule a 4-6 week check to verify placement, with ultrasound or testing if symptoms persist; consider removal if pain continues. There are several factors to consider, and important details that could change your next steps are explained below.
References:
* Mansour D, et al. Adverse events and reasons for removal of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems. Contraception. 2017 Jul;96(1):15-18. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.03.003. Epub 2017 Mar 9. PMID: 28286240.
* Gemzell-Danielsson K. Management of common adverse effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems. Contraception. 2017 Jan;95(1):7-13. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.08.006. Epub 2016 Sep 3. PMID: 27599544.
* Lyu H, et al. Pain perception during intrauterine device insertion and removal: A systematic review. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021 Mar;47(3):887-900. doi: 10.1111/jog.14652. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID: 33433967.
* Rueda G, et al. Systematic Review of Discontinuation Rates and Reasons for Use of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2017 Mar;26(3):289-301. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2016.5932. Epub 2017 Feb 22. PMID: 28225576.
* Aoun J, et al. Chronic pelvic pain and intrauterine devices: a systematic review. Int J Womens Health. 2018 Jun 5;10:293-305. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S164741. PMID: 29928124; PMCID: PMC6002931.
Q.
Pelvic Pain? Why Your Pelvic Floor is Weak & Medical Next Steps
A.
Pelvic pain with pressure, leakage, or pain during sex often stems from pelvic floor dysfunction due to weakness, imbalance, or nerve irritation, and while this is common and treatable, serious conditions can present similarly. Next steps include medical evaluation and pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line care, with targeted exercises, lifestyle changes, pessaries, or medications as needed and surgery only for severe cases; there are several factors to consider, so see below for red flags, causes, and how to choose the right plan.
References:
* Pastore EA, Katzman WB. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2015 Mar;42(1):155-65. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.10.007. PMID: 25687788.
* Varghese A, Ma X, Zaidan S, et al. Chronic Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Feb 7;11(3):840. doi: 10.3390/jcm11030840. PMID: 35149306; PMCID: PMC8837373.
* Wallace SL, Howard FM, Glazer ES. Pelvic floor muscle training for chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2019 Aug;30(8):1233-1241. doi: 10.1007/s00192-018-3820-y. Epub 2018 Nov 19. PMID: 30456429.
* Meltzer B, Peters KM. Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain Associated With Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction. Curr Urol Rep. 2017 Dec;18(12):95. doi: 10.1007/s11934-017-0744-9. PMID: 29017688.
* FitzGerald MP. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Chronic Pelvic Pain. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;61(3):511-524. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000388. PMID: 30040778.
Q.
Persistent Pain? Why Your Female Anatomy Hurts & Medical Next Steps
A.
Persistent pelvic, abdominal, vulvar, or breast pain can stem from menstrual issues, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or fibroids, infections like PID or UTIs, pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy ligament strain, or GI conditions; pain that lasts weeks or disrupts daily life should be assessed. Next steps include tracking symptoms and seeing a clinician for a pelvic exam, labs, STI testing, and imaging, with treatments ranging from NSAIDs and hormonal therapy to pelvic floor physical therapy or surgery. Seek urgent care now for sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, fainting, or pregnancy red flags. There are several factors to consider that could change your plan, see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Bartley EJ, Fillingim RB. Sex differences in chronic pain: what are the biological and clinical implications? Br J Anaesth. 2013 Jul;111(1):52-8. doi: 10.1093/bja/aet125. PMID: 23794406; PMCID: PMC3682970.
* ACOG Committee Opinion No. 710: Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Sep;130(3):e133-e138. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002231. PMID: 28837689.
* Ji Y, Zhao Y, Wang C, Wang J, Shi Z. The Role of Sex Hormones in Pain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 May 26;12:685208. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.685208. PMID: 34122329; PMCID: PMC8187259.
* Mechsner S, Weigel MT, Viereck V, Strehlau E. Mechanisms of Pain in Endometriosis. Pain Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):153-163. doi: 10.1007/s40122-021-00244-z. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33665796; PMCID: PMC8130880.
* Khandpur S, Handa Y, Al-Hammadi M, Sethuraman G, Malhotra R. Vulvodynia: A Clinical Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Dec;12(12):2667-2680. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00833-2. Epub 2022 Oct 19. PMID: 36261882; PMCID: PMC9676739.
Q.
Sharp Pelvic Pain? Why Your Round Ligament Pulls & Medical Relief Steps
A.
Sharp, brief lower belly or groin pain in pregnancy is often round ligament pain caused by stretching and quick tightening of the ligaments that support the uterus; it is common, usually harmless, and often triggered by sudden movement. Relief can come from moving more slowly, gentle prenatal stretching, a support belt, rest, warm compresses, and provider approved acetaminophen, but there are several factors to consider and specific warning signs that need urgent care; see below for red flags, look alike conditions, and step by step guidance that may change your next steps.
References:
* Mirilas P, Skandalakis JE. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, uterine round ligament. Clin Anat. 2004 Mar;17(2):166-71. doi: 10.1002/ca.10189. PMID: 14755711.
* Balakrishnan S, Cheon EC. Musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy: management and implications for childbirth. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Aug;32(4):247-252. doi: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000630. PMID: 32661334.
* Triche EV, et al. Acute pelvic pain in pregnancy. Semin Perinatol. 2018 Apr;42(2):107-118. doi: 10.1053/j.semperin.2018.02.007. PMID: 29555184.
* Verstraete EH, et al. The effectiveness of exercise interventions for preventing and treating pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2018 Apr;54(2):243-259. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04940-2. Epub 2017 Dec 20. PMID: 29260790.
* Van den Heuvel H, et al. Sharp abdominal pain during pregnancy - A diagnostic approach. Minerva Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Feb;75(1):72-82. doi: 10.23736/S2724-606X.22.05141-8. Epub 2022 Nov 24. PMID: 36420556.
Q.
Belly bulging? Why your core is separating & medically approved Diastasis Recti next steps
A.
A persistent belly bulge is often diastasis recti, where the six pack muscles separate along the linea alba from pregnancy, chronic abdominal pressure, or improper lifting. Most cases are managed with a clinician-guided program that activates the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor, optimizes breathing and posture, and avoids high pressure moves like sit-ups. Start by seeing an OB-GYN, primary care clinician, or pelvic floor physical therapist to measure the gap and rule out a hernia; support garments can add comfort, surgery is for severe cases, and urgent care is needed for a firm painful bulge, vomiting, fever, or blockage symptoms. There are several factors to consider for your safest next steps, expected timeline, and prevention, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Sperstad JB, Adriaansens K, Holm I, et al. (2016). Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Clinical Review. *Phys Sportsmed*, 44(2), 177-183.
* Benjamin DR, van de Water ATM, Agur AMR. (2019). Diastasis Recti Abdominis-Current Knowledge and Future Research. *Phys Ther*, 99(2), 114-124.
* Gluppe SB, Salvesen KÅ, Vistad I, et al. (2023). Diastasis Recti Abdominis: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Assessment and Management. *Phys Ther*, 103(4), pzad007.
* Litos P, Kliemann M, Al-Sabah F, et al. (2021). Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatment of Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Systematic Review. *J Am Coll Surg*, 233(2), 295-309.
* Emanuelsson P, Wentzel P, Rydén S, et al. (2020). Risk Factors for Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *Ann Surg*, 272(6), e351-e362.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Chaudhry SR, Chaudhry K. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499970/Pietro P, Adele MM, Donatella DF, Antonino C, Pietro A, Emanuele S, Alfredo B, Giorgio A, Carmelo S. Spontaneous round ligament hematoma as an unusual cause of pelvic pain in a young female patient: MRI demonstration. Radiol Case Rep. 2022 Mar 25;17(5):1765-1769. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.02.079. Erratum in: Radiol Case Rep. 2022 Jul 08;17(9):3446. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.06.023. PMID: 35355531; PMCID: PMC8958461.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8958461/Soumya Cicilet, Acute groin pain in pregnancy: a case of round ligament varicocele, BJR|Case Reports, Volume 3, Issue 3, 1 September 2017, 20150517
https://academic.oup.com/bjrcr/article/3/3/20150517/7244291