This week I wrote about a condition called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. Some chiropractors believe that round ligament pain may be an early symptom of SPD, indicating a need for adjustment. Like SPD, round ligament pain is responsible for a great deal of discomfort and suffering during pregnancy.
The round ligament supports your uterus within your abdomen, keeping it in place. During pregnancy, the uterus grows both in size and weight. This added strain on the round ligament can cause it to become very long and thin. When the ligament pulls on the surrounding nerves and sensitive structures, severe pain can result. Occasionally the ligament can spasm, this causes the sharp pain that many pregnant women experience in their lower abdomen.
Sharp movements or exercise can bring on or worsen round ligament pain. You can minimize the pain by moving slowly and carefully when you get in and out of bed, chairs, cars or while climbing stairs. You should also take plenty of breaks during long periods of activity. It’s good to be active, but activity should be light. It’s probably not a good time to take a long hike through the state park or take up jogging. When you sleep, make sure your body is well supported and change sleeping positions slowly.
Since there are many things that cause lower abdominal pain, you should talk to your health care provider about the type of pain you are experiencing to determine whether it is round ligament pain or something else. The pain should not be accompanied by fever, chills, pain during urination, or difficulty walking. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek emergency care. Round ligament pain can sometimes be confused with appendicitis, a ruptured cyst, intestinal cramps or pains from an abnormal growth. Since round ligament pain is so common among pregnant woman, however, you probably have nothing to worry about.