GUIDE
The round ligaments that support the uterus stretch and thicken as the belly grows, causing sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen — especially during the second trimester.
This sudden, sharp pain can be alarming, but round ligament pain is one of the most common and harmless pregnancy complaints. It is simply your body making room for a growing baby.
Be prepared from day one
Round ligament pain is one of those pregnancy symptoms that can genuinely startle you. It feels like a sharp, sudden, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen, usually in the groin area. The pain typically lasts only a few seconds but can be intense enough to stop you in your tracks. Some people also experience a dull ache that lingers for minutes to hours afterward.
The round ligaments are two cord-like structures that run from the front of the uterus down through the groin. Before pregnancy, the uterus is about the size of a pear and the ligaments are short and firm. As the uterus grows to accommodate the baby, these ligaments stretch and thicken significantly. Quick movements — standing up, rolling over, coughing, laughing, or sneezing — can cause a sudden pull on these stretched ligaments, producing that characteristic sharp twinge.
The pain is more common on the right side because the uterus tends to rotate slightly to the right as it grows, putting more tension on the right round ligament. However, it can occur on either side and is perfectly normal on both.
Round ligament pain is most common during the second trimester, typically between weeks 14 and 27. This is the period of the most rapid uterine growth — the uterus transitions from a small pelvic organ to a large abdominal one, and the round ligaments are being stretched the fastest.
Many people first notice it around weeks 14 to 16 when the uterus begins rising above the pelvis. The pain may continue into the third trimester but often decreases in intensity as the rate of growth slows and the ligaments have had time to adapt.
The sharp pains are almost always triggered by movement — quick position changes, physical activity, or even a sudden laugh. Resting in one position for a long time and then moving can also trigger it because the ligaments have settled into one position and the sudden shift catches them off guard.
The most effective approach is prevention — avoiding the sudden movements that trigger the pain — combined with support measures that reduce tension on the ligaments.
The most common trigger is sudden movement — standing up quickly, rolling over in bed, or laughing hard. Moving slowly and supporting your belly when you change positions can prevent the sharp tug on the ligaments that causes the pain.
If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, bend your hips slightly by leaning forward. This reduces the tension on the round ligaments and can prevent the sharp pain that often accompanies sudden abdominal movements.
Apply a warm (not hot) compress or heating pad on a low setting to the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes. Warmth relaxes the muscles and ligaments and can provide relief from the dull ache that sometimes follows the initial sharp pain.
Prenatal yoga poses like cat-cow, hands-and-knees position, and gentle side stretches can help keep the ligaments flexible and reduce the frequency of sharp pains. Stretching the hip flexors is particularly helpful, as tight hips put extra tension on the round ligaments.
A belly band or maternity support belt cradles the uterus from below, taking some of the pull off the round ligaments. This is especially helpful during physical activity, long walks, or days when you are on your feet for extended periods.
These symptoms can occasionally signal something that needs medical attention. When in doubt, call.
Round ligament pain is entirely harmless and one of the clearest signs that your body is making room for your growing baby. It does not affect the baby, it does not indicate a problem, and it typically becomes less frequent as your ligaments adapt to their new length.
Most people find that once they learn the pattern — what triggers the pain and how to prevent it — episodes become much less frequent. The combination of slow movements, hip flexion before coughing or sneezing, and a supportive belly band can eliminate most occurrences.
If you are experiencing other types of pregnancy discomfort, check out our guides on pregnancy back pain, sciatica, and Braxton Hicks contractions — all of which involve different types of abdominal and pelvic sensations during pregnancy. If you are dealing with any bleeding alongside abdominal pain, our guide on that topic can help you decide when to seek care. Our pregnancy headaches guide may also help if you are dealing with multiple discomforts at once.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
