Around the middle of your pregnancy, you may find that you are experiencing a pulling or sharp pain in your lower abdomen, on either or both sides. This is called round ligament pain, also known as ligamentalgia, and is nothing to be concerned about. Round ligaments on each side of the uterus attach it to the abdomen and hold it in place. During pregnancy, these muscular ligaments are under pressure as your baby grows inside you, and they may go into spasm in response to that pressure.

You may notice round ligament pains when rolling over in bed, when coughing or sneezing, turning around suddenly or standing up too quickly from a sitting position. It’s amusing really, to think we might be so fragile that a simple act of coughing can cause such noticeable pain! Unfortunately, it’s another of those pregnancy facts of life that we have to deal with.

Resting for short spells can alleviate round ligament paint, or lying on the side that’s painful can help too.

If you are terribly concerned about the pain you are experiencing, seek your doctor’s opinion or book in for an examination. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. If the pains become noticeably more severe, or you notice any abnormal vaginal discharge, contact your doctor immediately.

Posted in Pregnancy

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