Round Ligament Pain in Early Pregnancy

Round ligament pain is a sharp, stretching pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen. It's one of the most common pregnancy pains.

That sudden, sharp stab in your lower abdomen when you roll over in bed or stand up too fast can be alarming — but for most pregnant women, it turns out to be round ligament pain, a completely normal and very common pregnancy symptom. Understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make it much easier to live with.

What Are the Round Ligaments?

The round ligaments are two thick, cord-like bands of tissue that run from either side of your uterus through the inguinal canal (the channel in your lower abdominal wall) and down into your groin and labia. Their job is to support and stabilise the uterus as it grows.

Before pregnancy, these ligaments are relatively short and not under much tension. As your uterus expands — which begins surprisingly early, even in the first trimester — the round ligaments are pulled and stretched. This stretching is what causes the characteristic pain.

What It Feels Like

• Sharp, stabbing, or shooting — it tends to come on suddenly rather than building gradually
• Located in the lower abdomen, typically on one side (often the right), though it can affect both sides
• Brief — lasting from a fraction of a second to a few seconds; it rarely persists for more than a minute or two
• Triggered by movement — it almost always happens in response to a sudden change in position, such as:
  • Rolling over in bed
  • Standing up quickly from sitting
  • Sneezing, coughing, or laughing
  • Getting up from lying down
  • A sudden twist or stretch

Some women also notice a lower, more persistent dull ache in the same area, which can be a related form of ligament discomfort rather than the sharp variety.

Relief

Move more slowly. The most effective single change is slowing down transitions between positions. When getting out of bed, roll onto your side first, then push up with your arms. When you feel a sneeze or cough coming, flex your hips slightly or support your lower abdomen with your hand — this reduces the sudden pull on the ligaments.

Rest when it flares. If you are in the middle of a flare, stopping activity and resting in a comfortable position usually brings relief within a few minutes.

Warm heat. A warm bath or a warm (not hot) heat pack placed on the painful area can ease the aching version of round ligament pain. Avoid very hot baths, particularly in the first trimester.

Gentle stretching. Some women find that regular, gentle stretching of the hip flexors and lower abdominal muscles reduces the frequency of round ligament pain. Pregnancy yoga can be a good way to incorporate this safely.

Pregnancy support belt. A maternity support belt or bump band can help distribute the weight of your growing uterus more evenly, reducing the tension on the round ligaments. These are particularly useful from the second trimester onwards but can be used earlier.

Paracetamol, if needed. Paracetamol is the pain reliever recommended as safe in pregnancy when taken at the recommended dose. Always read the label and do not exceed the stated dose. Avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy.

When to Seek Help

Round ligament pain is sharp but brief. If you experience pain that is different in character — particularly pain that:

• Lasts more than a few minutes without easing
• Is severe and does not settle with rest
• Is accompanied by bleeding, discharge, fever, or chills
• Is located in your shoulder tip (which can indicate a serious issue if accompanied by other symptoms)
• Comes with pain when passing urine

...you should contact your midwife, GP, or call 111 for advice. These features are not typical of round ligament pain and need assessment to rule out other causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does round ligament pain start?

It can begin as early as the first trimester — some women notice it from around 6–8 weeks — but it becomes more common and often more noticeable from 10–12 weeks onwards as the uterus grows more substantially. It can continue throughout pregnancy and often becomes more frequent in the second trimester as the bump grows quickly.

Is round ligament pain on the right side normal?

Yes. Round ligament pain is slightly more commonly felt on the right side, which is thought to be related to the position and anatomy of the uterus. Pain on either or both sides is normal. If the pain is exclusively and persistently on the right and does not feel like a brief, sharp spasm, mention it to your midwife to rule out other causes.

Can round ligament pain hurt in the groin or hip?

Yes. Because the round ligaments run from the uterus down into the groin and labia, round ligament pain can radiate into the groin, hip, or upper inner thigh. This radiation pattern is normal and does not indicate anything is wrong with your hip or leg.

Speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about pelvic and abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Further reading:

• NHS — Common pregnancy symptoms

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Related articles:

• Pregnancy Symptoms