Maternal Health

Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines

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Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with round ligament pain in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Round ligament pain is a sharp or jabbing sensation in the lower belly or groin area caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and is not harmful to you or your baby.

Key takeaways

  • Round ligament pain is a sharp or jabbing sensation in the lower belly or groin area caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and is not harmful to you or your baby.
  • Usually normal when: Brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes
  • Call your doctor if: Severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, round ligament pain is a sharp or jabbing sensation in the lower belly or groin area caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and is not harmful to you or your baby. At First trimester, round ligament pain is uncommon in the first trimester since the uterus is still small. Any sharp lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy should be mentioned to your provider to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other concerns. It is generally considered normal when brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes
Severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination
Pain is triggered by sudden movement, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions
Pain is accompanied by regular tightening or contractions, especially before 37 weeks
Pain resolves quickly with rest or position change
Pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes
No bleeding, fever, or other symptoms accompany the pain
You experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities

By Age

What to expect by age

First trimester

Round ligament pain is uncommon in the first trimester since the uterus is still small. Any sharp lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy should be mentioned to your provider to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other concerns.

Second trimester

This is the peak time for round ligament pain. As your uterus grows rapidly, the round ligaments stretch and thicken, which can cause brief, sharp pains on one or both sides of your lower belly or groin. Pain is often triggered by sudden movements like standing up quickly, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or rolling over in bed. The pain typically lasts only seconds to a few minutes.

Third trimester

Round ligament pain may continue or return in the third trimester as the uterus reaches its largest size. Supporting your belly when changing positions and moving slowly can help. If pain becomes persistent, is accompanied by contractions, or is severe, contact your provider to rule out other causes such as preterm labor.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed round ligament pain in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes.
  • Mention if you experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes
  • Pain is triggered by sudden movement, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions
  • Pain resolves quickly with rest or position change
  • No bleeding, fever, or other symptoms accompany the pain
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes
  • You experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities
  • You are unsure whether the pain is round ligament pain or something else
Act now when...
  • Severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination
  • Pain is accompanied by regular tightening or contractions, especially before 37 weeks

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice round ligament pain in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination.

Lightning Crotch Pain in Pregnancy

Lightning crotch is an informal term for sudden, sharp, shooting pains in the pelvis, vagina, or rectum during pregnancy. It is caused by the baby pressing on nerves near the cervix and is common in the third trimester. While startling and uncomfortable, it is generally harmless.

Pelvic Pressure and Heaviness in Pregnancy

Pelvic pressure is a common sensation in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, caused by the growing baby's weight pressing on the pelvic floor, the baby descending into the pelvis (lightening), and hormonal loosening of pelvic joints. It is usually normal but should be evaluated if it occurs before 37 weeks.

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General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is round ligament pain in pregnancy normal?
Round ligament pain is a sharp or jabbing sensation in the lower belly or groin area caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and is not harmful to you or your baby.
When should I call the doctor about round ligament pain in pregnancy?
Severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination Pain is accompanied by regular tightening or contractions, especially before 37 weeks
When is round ligament pain in pregnancy normal?
Brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes Pain is triggered by sudden movement, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions Pain resolves quickly with rest or position change
What causes round ligament pain in pregnancy?
Round ligament pain is a sharp or jabbing sensation in the lower belly or groin area caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and is not harmful to you or your baby. Common explanations include: Brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes. Pain is triggered by sudden movement, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about round ligament pain in pregnancy?
You should mention round ligament pain in pregnancy at your next visit if: Pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes. You experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities. You are unsure whether the pain is round ligament pain or something else.
Is round ligament pain in pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Round ligament pain is uncommon in the first trimester since the uterus is still small. Any sharp lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy should be mentioned to your provider to rule out ectopic pregnancy or other concerns.
Is round ligament pain in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
This is the peak time for round ligament pain. As your uterus grows rapidly, the round ligaments stretch and thicken, which can cause brief, sharp pains on one or both sides of your lower belly or groin. Pain is often triggered by sudden movements like standing up quickly, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or rolling over in bed. The pain typically lasts only seconds to a few minutes.
Should I go to the ER for round ligament pain in pregnancy?
Seek emergency care if severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination, or if pain is accompanied by regular tightening or contractions, especially before 37 weeks. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does round ligament pain in pregnancy go away on its own?
In many cases, round ligament pain in pregnancy resolves on its own, especially when brief, sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower belly that lasts seconds to minutes. By Third trimester, round ligament pain may continue or return in the third trimester as the uterus reaches its largest size. Supporting your belly when changing positions and moving slowly can help. If pain becomes persistent, is accompanied by contractions, or is severe, contact your provider to rule out other causes such as preterm labor.
ACOGNIHMARCH OF DIMES

References

  1. [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pregnancy FAQs: Problems of the Digestive System. ACOG, 2022. ACOG
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Round Ligament Pain. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
  3. [3]March of Dimes. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed round ligament pain in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes.
  • Mention if you experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Pain is persistent and does not resolve with rest or position changes
  • You experience frequent episodes that affect your daily activities
  • You are unsure whether the pain is round ligament pain or something else

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination
  • Pain is accompanied by regular tightening or contractions, especially before 37 weeks

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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Bottom line

Most cases of round ligament pain in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if severe abdominal pain that does not go away, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or pain with urination.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Pelvic Pressure and Heaviness in Pregnancy

Pelvic pressure is a common sensation in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, caused by the growing baby's weight pressing on the pelvic floor, the baby descending into the pelvis (lightening), and hormonal loosening of pelvic joints. It is usually normal but should be evaluated if it occurs before 37 weeks.

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