Best Products for Soothing Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

It’s safe to say that a lot changes during pregnancy. You’re growing a little human, after all, and your body goes through a lot to make that happen. It’s exciting and strange… and unfortunately comes with some literal growing pains as your pregnancy progresses. This can come in the form of a sore back, aching feet or, perhaps least pleasant of all, the stabbing sharp twinges in your sides known as round ligament pain.

Why you might experience round ligament pain during pregnancy

Round ligament pain usually feels like a dull ache or a sharp, jabbing sensation in your hips and groin. It typically starts around week 14 of your pregnancy and usually occurs during the second trimester, but could flare up later or earlier as well.

This pain is caused by the round ligament, which runs from the upper corner of the uterus through the groin and down into the vagina and labia, says Angelina Gangestad, M.D., division chief of obstetrics and gynecology at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. (You have two round ligaments — one on each side of your uterus.)

“In pregnancy, as the uterus grows up out of the pelvis, the uterus can now shift from side to side more. When it does that, it tugs on that ligament,” says Dr. Gangestad — causing sharp pains and discomfort. It typically lasts for a few minutes at most, she says. You're likely to feel the pain upon waking or during a particularly active day. It can also happen when you roll over in bed, adds Dr. Gangestad, or even from baby’s movements inside your uterus.

While it sounds a bit scary, as long as the pain isn’t accompanied by a fever, chills, painful urination or bleeding, round ligament pain is typically nothing to worry about. Of course, if the pain is persistent or severe, consult your doctor.

Products to help you find round ligament pain relief

“Round ligament pain, just because of its nature, is really kind of more spontaneous and kind of just happens,” says Dr. Gangestad. This makes prevention very difficult. However, there are some things you can try to help mitigate that uncomfortable pain:

• Belly bands and support belts. These products provide extra support to your growing bump to ease pressure on your pelvis and lower back. They also reduce some uterine movement to help lessen the impact of round ligament pains, says Dr. Gangestad. However, don’t wear them overnight and take breaks from wearing belts to ensure you’re not irritating your skin or cutting off circulation.
• Heating pads and packs. “Heat can definitely help,” Dr. Gangestad says. Applying heat to the painful spots when they flare up, whether that’s through warm baths, heating pads or hot water bottles can soothe round ligament pain. (Just remember if using a heating pad to set it on the lowest setting and wrap it in a towel to avoid burning or overheating.)
• Acetaminophen. This over-the-counter pain reliever is generally considered safe for pregnancy, but definitely check with your doctor before using it to be sure it’s right for you and your unique health needs.
  Kinesiology tape. Athletes use “KT” tape to help support muscles and reduce pain, and some research shows that it reduces lower back pain during pregnancy. While research on the topic is limited, it might also be helpful with round ligament pain, although it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or physical therapist for tips on how to best use it. Some may also get rashes from the adhesive on the tape.

There are also some things you can do at home to soothe round ligament pain, Dr. Gangestad says. Stretching and yoga can help ease pain when it strikes, as can resting and staying still. She also recommends holding your bump before you cough or sneeze.

How we chose the best products for round ligament pain relief during pregnancy

Like many other aspects of pregnancy, every mom-to-be experiences round ligament pain in her own way, and certain products work better for some moms than others. For that reason, we looked to the What to Expect community to understand what products work best for the biggest variety of moms. We analyzed dozens of discussion threads about round ligament and compiled the list of products moms recommended to each other the most. From there, we evaluated their choices against the expert guidance above. Keep reading to see which products might work best for you to ease your own round ligament pain.