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Lower groin pain pregnancy


Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Kelli Miller

In this Article

  • Causes of Round Ligament Pain
  • Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain
  • Treatment of Round Ligament Pain
  • When to Call the Doctor

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.

Here is what you need to know about round ligament pain, including some tips to help you feel better.

Causes of Round Ligament Pain

Several thick ligaments surround and support your womb (uterus) as it grows during pregnancy. One of them is called the round ligament.

The round ligament connects the front part of the womb to your groin, the area where your legs attach to your pelvis. The round ligament normally tightens and relaxes slowly.

As your baby and womb grow, the round ligament stretches. That makes it more likely to become strained.

Sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, like a rubber band snapping. This causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling.

Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain can be concerning and uncomfortable. But it is considered normal as your body changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms of round ligament pain include a sharp, sudden spasm in the belly. It usually affects the right side, but it may happen on both sides. The pain only lasts a few seconds.

Exercise may cause the pain, as will rapid movements such as:

  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • laughing
  • rolling over in bed
  • standing up too quickly

Treatment of Round Ligament Pain

Here are some tips that may help reduce your discomfort:

Pain relief. Take over-the-counter acetaminophen for pain, if necessary. Ask your doctor if this is OK.

Exercise. Get plenty of exercise to keep your stomach (core) muscles strong. Doing stretching exercises or prenatal yoga can be helpful. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you and your baby.

A helpful exercise involves putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head, and pushing your backside into the air.

Avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly (such as standing up or sitting down) to avoid sudden movements that may cause stretching and pain.

Flex your hips. Bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze, or laugh to avoid pulling on the ligaments.

Apply warmth. A heating pad or warm bath may be helpful. Ask your doctor if this is OK. Extreme heat can be dangerous to the baby.

You should try to modify your daily activity level and avoid positions that may worsen the condition.

When to Call the Doctor

Always tell your doctor about any type of pain you have during pregnancy. Round ligament pain is quick and doesn't last long.

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

  • severe pain
  • pain that lasts for more than a few minutes
  • fever
  • chills
  • pain on urination
  • difficulty walking

Belly pain during pregnancy can be due to many different causes. It is important for your doctor to rule out more serious conditions, including pregnancy complications such as placenta abruption or non-pregnancy illnesses such as:

  • inguinal hernia
  • appendicitis
  • stomach, liver, and kidney problems

Preterm labor pains may sometimes be mistaken for round ligament pain.

Health & Pregnancy Guide

  1. Getting Pregnant
  2. First Trimester
  3. Second Trimester
  4. Third Trimester
  5. Labor and Delivery
  6. Pregnancy Complications
  7. All Guide Topics

Groin pain in pregnancy: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Groin pain is common during pregnancy, and it often becomes more intense as the pregnancy progresses. Ligament pain and vaginal issues are common causes of groin pain during pregnancy.

Groin pain is not an emergency, and it does not usually indicate a problem with the pregnancy. However, it is important to mention all pregnancy symptoms to a doctor or midwife.

In this article, we outline the causes of groin pain during pregnancy, along with their associated symptoms and treatments. We also provide information on when to see a doctor for this type of pain.

Share on PinterestIt is common for women to experience groin pain during pregnancy.

Below are some of the most common causes of groin pain during pregnancy, alongside explanations of their associated symptoms and treatments.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction

The pubic symphysis is a joint that sits between the left and right pubic bones. During pregnancy, the ligaments and muscles that support the joint relax and stretch to accommodate the growing uterus and fetus. This relaxing and stretching causes the pubic symphysis to become unstable, resulting in symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

SPD can cause the following symptoms, which tend to worsen during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy:

  • clicking in the hips or pelvis
  • muscle spasms or shooting pains in the pelvic area
  • sharp, shooting pains in the vagina, perineum, or rectum
  • electric shock-like sensations in the vagina or groin area
  • pain that radiates from one part of the pelvic area to another

Many women refer to SPD as “lightning crotch” because of the strange electrical sensations they feel. The pain ranges from mild to severe and often gets worse with the following activities:

  • transitioning from sitting to standing
  • climbing stairs
  • carrying heavy objects
Treatment

SPD is not a medical issue but a temporary pain of pregnancy. It does not indicate that there is anything wrong with the pregnant woman or the developing fetus.

For most women, the symptoms of SPD go away shortly after giving birth. In the meantime, gentle hip stretches and exercises may help alleviate the symptoms.

Some women also find relief using the following treatments:

  • acupuncture
  • chiropractic massage
  • application of heat or ice to the pubic region

Round ligament pain

Round ligaments are tough, fibrous bands of connective tissue in the pelvis that attach to and support the uterus. The growth of the uterus throughout pregnancy causes these ligaments to stretch. This stretching can trigger the following symptoms:

  • pain that radiates from the groin to the hips or upper legs
  • dull aches in the groin or on either side of the stomach
  • spasm-like muscle pain on one or both sides of the stomach
  • sharp, sudden, intensely painful aches that last for just a second

Many women notice that the pain is worse during sudden movements, such as changing positions in bed or going from standing to sitting or vice versa.

Treatment

Round ligament pain does not indicate an issue with the pregnancy, and it usually goes away shortly after a woman gives birth. In the meantime, some strategies that may help alleviate the pain include:

  • bending or flexing the hips before doing anything that tends to cause round ligament pain
  • supporting the uterus with the hand before standing, sitting, or coughing
  • changing position slowly
  • applying a heat pad to the painful area

Vaginal infections

The vagina contains a delicate balance of certain yeasts and bacteria. Vaginal yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast inside the vagina. In most cases, there is an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans.

Many factors can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, including pregnancy. The hormone changes that occur during pregnancy can disrupt the normal pH levels of the vagina, causing yeasts to multiply out of control.

Women who develop a vaginal yeast infection may experience the following symptoms:

  • itching and burning in the vagina and vulva
  • itching and burning of the perineum or anus
  • thick, white vaginal discharge that is usually odorless and resembles cottage cheese
  • pain when urinating
  • pain when having sex
Treatment

Antifungal medications are the usual treatment for vaginal yeast infections. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take oral antifungal medications. However, it is safe for pregnant women to apply a topical antifungal cream or insert an antifungal suppository into the vagina.

Women who experience the symptoms above during pregnancy should make an appointment with their doctor or midwife. Certain conditions can cause symptoms that mimic those of a vaginal yeast infection. These conditions will require different treatment.

Vaginal dryness

Some women report experiencing vaginal dryness during pregnancy. Vaginal dryness can cause the following symptoms:

  • soreness, itchiness, and general discomfort in and around the vagina
  • pain or discomfort during sex
  • the need to urinate more often than usual
  • recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Treatment

Vaginal moisturizers can help alleviate vaginal dryness. These are topical medications that a woman can apply to the inside of the vagina.

Water-based sexual lubricants should help alleviate vaginal dryness during sexual activity. However, a woman should not use estrogen-based lubricants during pregnancy.

If vaginal dryness does not get better with home treatment, a woman should talk to her doctor or midwife for further advice.

Pregnant women should discuss any and all aches and pains with their doctor or midwife.

Groin pain is a common symptom during pregnancy, and it often has a relatively benign and treatable cause. Nonetheless, a woman should see a doctor to rule out more serious underlying medical conditions. A doctor can also provide treatment to help manage the pain and any associated symptoms.

Anyone who experiences any of the following symptoms during pregnancy should see a doctor as soon as possible:

  • severe pain
  • worsening pain
  • other aches and pains, such as pain in the upper abdomen

If the following symptoms occur during pregnancy, it is important to call a doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room:

  • painful contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy
  • bleeding from the vagina
  • fever or chills
  • chest pain

Groin pain during pregnancy is common. It is usually the result of normal hormonal and other bodily changes that occur throughout the pregnancy. Nonetheless, a woman should report any aches and pains to her doctor or midwife. It is important to receive the correct diagnosis and any necessary treatment.

Vaginal yeast infections are highly treatable, and a woman can expect to make a full recovery following appropriate treatment. Vaginal dryness should also improve with home treatment. However, if either of these conditions persists, a woman should go back to her doctor for further advice.

For most women with SPD or round ligament pain, groin pain goes away shortly after giving birth. However, about 1 in 10 women with SPD experience ongoing pain that requires continued treatment. If the pain persists, a doctor may order diagnostic tests to rule out other underlying health issues, such as hip problems or hypermobility syndrome.

Pregnancy Groin Pain

General

The groin or groin is the part of the lower edge of the abdominal region adjacent to the thigh. Here is the inguinal canal through which the large blood vessels of the thigh and the round ligament of the uterus pass, loops of the intestines can also descend here and form a hernia.

Causes of groin pain during pregnancy

Hernia

If you have groin pain during pregnancy on either side, always think about 9 first0003 hernia . A hernia can occur when local supporting tissues weaken and allow bowel loops to slip out of the abdomen and into the groin. Hernia becomes noticeable as a swelling in the groin, especially when you stand. But you can feel pain without a visible bulge.

Hernia can cause unpleasant complications. If the opening is relatively small and the intestinal loop is relatively large, then the latter may be trapped or strangulated in it. When this happens, it is called a "strangulated hernia". A strangulated hernia requires immediate surgery, as the blood supply to the strangulated intestine is disrupted, which leads to its destruction.

Infection in the pelvic region

• infections in the pelvic region:

• adnexitis;

• endometritis;

• proctitis;

• parametritis

Infections can cause swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin.

With tumors of lymph nodes in the groin, there is a possibility of cancer or benign tumor . It may also be a manifestation of an early (primary stage) syphilis.

Kidney stones

A low-lying kidney stone, ureteral stone will also cause pain in the groin. An attack of renal colic occurs suddenly, can last several minutes, hours or even days. It is characterized by the following symptoms: acute pain in the lower back or hypochondrium with irradiation along the ureter to the inguinal region, bladder, external genitalia. Frequent urination and blood in the urine will help in determining the correct diagnosis.

If the pain in your groin is not associated with enlarged lymph nodes or kidney stones, then it may be due to the fact that the spinal disc is compressing the nerves that go to this area. The reason for this may be osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

Infections and injuries

Pain in the groin during pregnancy may indicate genitourinary infections and inflammation, which lead to enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin.

Other causes of groin pain during pregnancy may include the following diseases:

• Groin injuries.

• Genital herpes.

• Varicose vein of the great saphenous vein.

• Aneurysm of the femoral artery.

For pain in the groin during pregnancy, seek the help of a gynecologist. You may also need to consult a traumatologist.

Groin pain in women during pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth

Causes of pain in the groin in women during pregnancy

Discomfort in the groin area can be explained by physiological processes.

Pain in the groin during pregnancy can indicate herpes, varicose veins and other diseases

Photo
Getty

For example:

  • Formation of a new endocrine organ - the so-called fertilized body, which takes the place of the fertilized ovum. This can lead to the formation of a cyst. As a rule, the neoplasm disappears in the second trimester.
  • Rapid enlargement of the uterus, which causes an increased load on the musculoskeletal system. In this case, pregnant women are advised to rest more: sit or lie down.
  • Weakening of the ligamentous apparatus and cartilage. This phenomenon provokes the hormone relaxin. A regular bandage can eliminate discomfort.
  • Potassium deficiency in the body of the expectant mother. Medicines containing this microelement will help here.

Physiological causes should not cause concern, they pass with time or are solved by softening the daily routine.

Diseases that cause discomfort in the groin

Pain in the groin during pregnancy is sometimes due to more dangerous factors that can affect both the well-being of the woman and the development of the fetus: