Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a welcome change in the body structure for every woman. However, this change is not as pleasant as it seems. The growing uterus during pregnancy increases weight and many women complain about sciatica pain. The increasing belly size with each passing day starts seeming to be painful rather than a source of joy. Mild cramping in early pregnancy has been commonly reported by many women. If this was not enough, round ligament pain during pregnancy is another common discomfort that usually lasts for a short while.

Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy
Round ligament pain is a type of discomfort that is generally experienced in the abdomen. The developing fetus is actually responsible for triggering this abdominal pain. The uterus (organ) that resides in the lower abdomen, is the place where the baby grows. Before a woman actually gets pregnant, it is very small. The size of the uterus (womb) resembles to that of an apple or a pear. Ligaments which are nothing but fibrous band of tissues that are seen around the uterus and do the job of supporting this organ. These elastic tissues are referred as round ligaments and ensure that the uterus remains in its proper position and does not get displaced from its normal position.

During pregnancy, the uterus no longer stays in its normal size and enlarges gradually with each passing day. As a result, the round ligaments surrounding the uterus, also get stretched. Being elastic in nature, these ligaments can bear this excessive stretching. However, the nerves that are passing through these round ligaments, may not be able tolerate the pressure exerted by the developing fetus, resulting in pain. As these nerves in the round ligaments are subjected to undue pressure, they might get compressed and cause discomfort.

Symptoms
This mild to moderate pain occurs occasionally and is felt in the right side of abdominal area for a few seconds. Suddenly getting up from the bed, walking or rolling on one side when taking rest, are some of the factors that results in abdominal cramps (ligament pain). In some cases, the pain originates from the groin area and travels all the way down to the abdominal area.

Occurrence
The pain does not occur during early pregnancy. As the reports suggest 12-15 weeks pregnant women suffer from ligament pain and continues until delivery. Pregnancy does bring a few health issues like stomach cramps and so experiencing this uncomfortable sensation is regarded as the body's response to the developing fetus.

Treatment
Rest is the mainstay of treatment to reduce discomfort associated with pregnancy. Activities that cause stretching of the abdominal area such as lifting weights can bring ligament pain. Try to take rest as much as possible and stay away from activities that bring discomfort in the abdominal area. This is one of the best ways of overcoming round ligament during pregnancy. Application of heat in the affected area in the form of warm compress or a warm bath can also helpful to alleviate pain. One can also use painkillers such as acetaminophen to ease the discomfort. However, one needs to consult a doctor to know the exact dosage of acetaminophen.

Although this ligament discomfort at the time of pregnancy is normal, one will have to consult a doctor, in case the pain is persistent and severe. Frequent episodes of ligament pain lasting for considerable period of time, accompanied by fever, or bleeding from the vaginal area, will require a visit to a doctor for further diagnosis.