Round ligament pain in pregnancy: what it is, when it happens and what helps

Pregnancy · Updated July 2026 · All articles

A sudden sharp twinge in the lower abdomen or groin during the second trimester can be alarming the first time it happens. For most people, this is round ligament pain, one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy. It feels dramatic and can take your breath away momentarily, but it passes quickly and is a normal part of the body adjusting to a growing uterus. Understanding what is happening and what to do about it helps take the anxiety out of the experience.

What are round ligaments?

The round ligaments are two thick, cord-like structures that run from the top of the uterus, through the inguinal canal (the passage in the lower abdomen through which the spermatic cord passes in men), and into the labia majora. Their job is to help support the uterus in its position within the pelvis, holding it upright and in place during standing and movement.

Before pregnancy the round ligaments are relatively short and under little mechanical stress. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the round ligaments are stretched and elongated to accommodate it. By the second trimester, when the uterus rises significantly out of the pelvis, they are under considerably more tension than usual. This stretching is the physical basis for round ligament pain.

Why round ligament pain happens

The pain occurs because sudden or rapid movement causes the already-stretched ligament to spasm. Think of pulling on a rubber band that is already stretched close to its limit: even a small additional pull creates a sharp tightening sensation. In the same way, a sudden movement that shifts the position of the uterus quickly causes the round ligament to tighten sharply rather than lengthening smoothly.

The most common triggers are: standing up quickly from sitting or lying down; rolling over in bed; sneezing, coughing or laughing suddenly; and walking after a period of rest. The pain is the ligament's response to being stretched faster than it can accommodate, and it usually resolves within seconds to a minute as the muscle fibre relaxes again.

When round ligament pain typically begins

Most people experience round ligament pain for the first time in the second trimester, usually from around weeks 14 to 16. This timing makes sense anatomically: by week 12 to 14 the uterus has grown large enough to rise out of the pelvic cavity and begin its journey upward toward the navel, placing the round ligaments under increasing tension. As the uterus continues to grow through the second trimester, the stretch on the ligaments increases and the pain can become more frequent.

Some people notice occasional round ligament discomfort as early as the first trimester, and it can continue into the third trimester as the uterus reaches its maximum size. It tends to be most noticeable between weeks 16 and 24. In subsequent pregnancies, the ligaments are already accustomed to being stretched and some people find the pain is less intense, though others report the same or greater discomfort.

What round ligament pain feels like

The classic description is a sharp, stabbing or shooting pain in the lower abdomen, the groin or the hip. It most commonly affects one side at a time, and the right side is more frequently involved because the uterus naturally rotates slightly to the right as it grows. The pain can occasionally radiate down into the top of the thigh or into the labia.

The distinguishing features of round ligament pain are its brevity and its relationship to movement. It comes on suddenly, peaks almost immediately, and then fades within seconds to a minute or two. It is typically triggered by a specific movement rather than appearing at rest. It does not worsen progressively over hours, and it does not come and go in waves. These features help distinguish it from other causes of pregnancy abdominal pain that do need assessment.

Movements that commonly trigger it

Once you know what round ligament pain is, you will probably notice a clear pattern of what sets it off for you. The most common culprits are: getting up quickly from a chair or sofa; getting out of bed or rolling from one side to the other during the night; sneezing, coughing, or laughing; reaching suddenly for something; walking briskly after sitting still; and any sudden twisting movement of the torso. Exercise that involves rapid changes of direction, such as some forms of aerobics, can also provoke it.

Recognising your personal triggers is the first step to preventing or reducing the pain. Slowing down transitions, bracing yourself slightly before a sneeze if you feel one coming, and rolling over deliberately rather than quickly are all small adjustments that can significantly reduce the frequency of episodes.

What helps

Move slowly and deliberately: the single most effective prevention strategy is slowing down transitions. Standing up by rolling onto your side first, then pushing up gradually, rather than sitting straight up from lying down reduces the sudden pull on the ligaments. Turning over in bed in stages rather than one swift motion does the same.

Bend toward the pain: when you feel a spasm beginning, bending slightly toward the affected side reduces the tension on that ligament. Some people also find that pressing gently over the area where the pain is sharpest provides instinctive relief.

Heat: a warm heat pack or wheat bag applied to the lower abdomen or groin on the affected side can help ease the discomfort of an episode and relax the ligament afterward. Avoid very hot heat packs directly on the bump.

A supportive maternity belt: a maternity support belt or band worn under the bump can reduce the amount of movement the ligaments have to accommodate as you walk and change position, which reduces the frequency of pain episodes for many people. These are widely available from week 16 onwards and can be worn throughout the day.

Gentle stretching: some people find that gentle hip flexor stretches and pregnancy yoga help keep the ligaments more supple. If you are considering adding specific stretches to your routine, it is worth discussing with a physiotherapist or a qualified pregnancy yoga instructor to make sure the movements are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.

When to call your midwife

Round ligament pain itself does not need medical attention, but abdominal pain in pregnancy always deserves assessment if it does not fit the typical pattern. Contact your midwife or maternity triage if the pain is severe and does not ease within a few minutes; if it is accompanied by any vaginal bleeding; if it is associated with fever, chills or feeling generally unwell; if there is pain or burning on urination (which can indicate a urinary tract infection); if the pain is constant rather than coming and going with movement; or if you have strong cramps or contractions.

These symptoms can indicate other conditions including urinary tract infections, appendicitis, placental abruption or preterm labour, all of which need urgent assessment. It is always better to call and be reassured than to wait at home with a pain that has you worried.

Frequently asked questions

What does round ligament pain feel like?

Round ligament pain is typically a sharp, stabbing or cramping sensation in the lower abdomen or groin, usually on one side (though it can be both). It comes on suddenly and is often triggered by a quick movement, sneezing, coughing or standing up fast. It usually passes within seconds to a minute.

When does round ligament pain start in pregnancy?

Round ligament pain most commonly begins in the second trimester, typically around weeks 14 to 16, when the uterus grows large enough to rise out of the pelvis and begins placing tension on the round ligaments. Some people notice it earlier, and it can continue into the third trimester.

Is round ligament pain dangerous?

Round ligament pain itself is not dangerous and is a normal part of pregnancy. However, any abdominal pain in pregnancy should be assessed if it is persistent, severe, accompanied by bleeding, fever, changes in urination, or does not pass quickly. These can indicate other conditions that need attention.

What helps round ligament pain?

Moving slowly and with intention helps prevent the sharp spasms. Bending toward the pain when you feel it coming can reduce the stretch on the ligament. A warm heat pack on the affected side, a supportive maternity belt, and gentle stretching can all reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes.

Can round ligament pain affect both sides?

Yes, though it is more commonly felt on the right side because of the natural rotation of the uterus in most pregnancies. It can affect both sides at different times or simultaneously. The sensation and pattern are the same regardless of which side is affected.

When should I call my midwife about abdominal pain in pregnancy?

Call your midwife if the pain is severe and does not ease within a minute or two, if it is accompanied by bleeding, fever, pain on urination, difficulty walking, or if you feel generally unwell. These symptoms could suggest other causes of abdominal pain that need assessment.

This article is for general information only. Always consult your midwife, obstetrician, or GP for advice specific to your pregnancy.