Round ligament pain early pregnancy
Pregnancy Ligament Pain: Understanding, Relieving and Preventing
Pulling, pain sensations in the lower abdomen: ligament pain and pelvic pain are common symptoms during pregnancy. It is important to learn how to identify them, differentiate them from contractions and take measures to relieve them. Discover all our tips for alleviating ligament pain during pregnancy!
Pregnancy Ligament Pain: What Does It Feel Like?
To understand ligament pain , a brief anatomical reminder is necessary: the uterus is held by ligaments to the pelvic bones. As it grows to accommodate the fetus, these ligaments are subjected to increasing pressure, causing various unpleasant sensations. At the same time, hormones also make the small ligaments of the pelvis more sensitive.
Pregnancy ligament pain manifests itself as pulling sensations, located mainly in the lower abdomen, pubis, groin, perineum (or even the thighs or buttocks, sometimes reminiscent of sciatica). They can vary in intensity, ranging from simple tingling to sensations of electric shocks. Although disconcerting, these sensations do not present any danger for the mother or the baby.
What causes ligament pain in pregnant women?
Pregnancy ligament pain can be triggered by several factors, varying depending on how far along the pregnancy is. The ligaments gradually relax to facilitate the expansion of the uterus and the opening of the pelvis, under the effect of hormones .
This physiological adaptation is often accompanied by pain in different parts of the body, known as ligament pain, which can appear from the beginning of pregnancy. This pain can become more pronounced over the months, sometimes affecting the mobility of the mother-to-be.
In addition, a magnesium deficiency can contribute to these ligament pains. The weight of the baby putting pressure on the uterus in late pregnancy can also be a triggering factor. Finally, individual sensitivity can play a role, as ligament pain varies from one woman to another and from one pregnancy to another.
How to differentiate between pregnancy ligament pain and contractions?
During pregnancy, your belly becomes the center of all your concerns. As it rounds out, you feel your baby's movements and observe the changes in your body. But among all these sensations, it can be difficult to differentiate the signs of contractions from ligament pain .
Braxton-Hicks contractions , often felt throughout pregnancy, are physical contractions that prepare the uterus for childbirth. Although uncomfortable, they are normal and do not pose any danger to the pregnancy.
On the other hand, ligament pain is a more strange and throbbing sensation, caused by the development of the uterus. To distinguish a contraction from a pregnancy ligament pain , a few simple tips can be useful:
- Contractions cause a feeling of tension in the uterus, while ligament pain is a constant pulling;
- Contractions usually last a few seconds and come in waves, while ligament pain persists;
- Contractions can occur at any time, while ligament pain is often felt in the morning upon waking, at the end of the day or when changing position.
Main characteristics of ligament pain
Pregnancy ligament pain is therefore the result of the stretching of the ligaments supporting the uterus as it grows. It usually manifests as a sharp pain or pulling sensation in the abdominal area. Here are some typical characteristics of ligament pain during pregnancy:
Location
Ligament pain is usually located on the sides of the abdomen, near the groin or in the lower belly.
Sensation
It can be described as a sharp pain, a pinch, a pulling or a cramp.
Triggers
This pain can be triggered by sudden movements, rapid changes in position, sneezing or coughing.
Duration
Usually brief, it often disappears with rest or a change of position.
Frequency
Ligament pain can occur intermittently during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester.
When do these ligament pains appear?
- It is common to experience ligament pain during the first trimester of pregnancy . This pain can manifest as pelvic, abdominal, groin, or lower abdominal pain . At this stage, the uterus begins to expand, putting pressure on the ligaments.
- This pregnancy symptom can also intensify during the second trimester. Around the 20th week of pregnancy, with the increase in the volume of the uterus, pregnancy ligament pain tends to increase due to the stretching of the ligaments. It is possible that these pains cause pregnancy insomnia .
It also happens that sensations of pulling appear late in the last weeks of pregnancy. This may be due to Lacomme syndrome , characterized by the action of the hormone relaxin on the pelvis. This hormone is particularly active in the third trimester. It promotes the relaxation of tissues, ligaments and tendons, and prepares the body for childbirth.
These lower abdominal pains can be similar to pregnancy ligament pain . They are located at the pelvic level, are constant and do not occur in series of several seconds. It is therefore important to differentiate these sensations from contractions.
How to relieve ligament pain during pregnancy?
Gentle physical activity
It is advisable to practice regular physical activity adapted to pregnancy, such as walking, swimming or aquagym.
This helps strengthen muscles and ligaments, and promotes good blood circulation. Be sure to discuss your exercise program with your doctor or midwife beforehand.
Diet rich in magnesium
Eat a diet rich in magnesium by including foods like brown rice, lentils, bananas, dark chocolate, and almonds. To help ease your pregnancy ligament pain, your doctor may also recommend dietary supplements if needed. Maintain a balanced diet and make sure to stay hydrated.
Good postures
Vary your positions and movements regularly to avoid putting too much pressure on your ligaments . Avoid sudden movements and use your arms to help you move from one position to another. Also, avoid carrying heavy loads or high heels, and ask your doctor or midwife about using support belts to treat your pregnancy ligament pain.
Alternative medicine
Among the physical activities recommended to relieve ligament pain during pregnancy, relaxation occupies a special place. In addition to promoting movement, this gentle practice contributes to relaxation, a key element in relieving ligament pain. In addition, other alternative medicine techniques such as meditation and sophrology can also be beneficial in reducing these unpleasant sensations and promoting a state of well-being.
Ligament pain during pregnancy: when to consult?
- It is advisable to immediately report these pains to your gynecologist to assess the need for vitamin supplements. If the pains are sporadic, there is usually no cause for concern. However, in case of frequent, intense pains, occurring at rest without any particular movement, it is important to contact your doctor. This is all the more crucial if these pains are accompanied by pregnancy bleeding , pregnancy-related nausea , abdominal pain, discomfort, contractions or swelling of the legs.
- In case of persistent and bothersome ligament pain, and in agreement with your healthcare professional during your appointments related to your pregnancy calendar , you can also consider a consultation with a physiotherapist or an osteopath (or both). These specialists can help you relieve your pain and improve your quality of life by using techniques adapted to pregnancy, particularly on the pelvis. They can also teach you correct postures to relieve pain on a daily basis, as well as exercises to practice outside of sessions.
