Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings with it a myriad of changes to a woman's body. While the anticipation of welcoming a new life is exciting, the physical discomforts that often accompany pregnancy can be challenging. One common discomfort that many expectant mothers experience is round ligament pain. In this blog, we'll delve into what round ligament pain is and explore how Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at the Center of Pelvic Excellence can offer relief and support during this crucial time.
Understanding Round Ligament Pain:
The round ligaments are a pair of structures that support the uterus, connecting it to the groin and pelvis. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, these ligaments stretch and can cause sharp or stabbing pains on one or both sides of the lower abdomen. Round ligament pain is a common occurrence, especially during the second trimester, and is often exacerbated by sudden movements or changes in position.
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health:
The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in supporting the reproductive and digestive organs, maintaining continence, and ensuring overall stability. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes, and its health becomes paramount for the well-being of both the mother and the growing baby.
What is Round Ligament Pain:
The round ligaments are thick bands of tissue that support the uterus and connect it to the groin. As the uterus expands during pregnancy, these ligaments stretch and contract, leading to a sensation known as round ligament pain. This discomfort is typically felt on one or both sides of the lower abdomen and can manifest as sharp, stabbing, or aching sensations.
Causes of Round Ligament Pain:
Uterine Growth: As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, the round ligaments stretch and experience tension, causing pain.
Sudden Movements: Quick movements, sudden changes in position, or rolling over in bed can trigger round ligament pain due to the abrupt stretching of these ligaments.
Physical Activity: Engaging in strenuous or sudden physical activity can strain the round ligaments, contributing to pain.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis can develop on or around the round ligaments contributing to lower abdominal and pelvic pain.
Varicosities: Varicose veins can develop in the round ligaments, most commonly during the second trimester of pregnancy. This can result in swelling and pain along the lower abdominal area. This is commonly mistaken for a hip flexor strain or hernia so appropriate differential diagnosis is important for pain relief.
How Can Round Ligament Pain Impact Your Pregnancy?
Tightness in the round ligaments can create an anterior tilt in the uterus impacting the position of baby in the abdomen and pelvis. In addition to round ligament pain, a more anterior position of the baby can result in pubic bone pain, SIJ and tailbone pain.
Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can help relieve tension in the round ligaments improving the position of the uterus and thus reducing strain and pain.
Specific hip stretches and exercises can also reduce strain and tension on the round ligaments and help open up the pelvis to improve the position of the baby and the uterus.
Baby being in an optimal position has been found to:
reduce the total length of labor
reduce the second stage of labor (total pushing time)
reduce the risk of perineal tearing and pelvic floor trauma
Tips to Manage Round Ligament Pain at Home:
Gentle Exercise: Incorporate gentle exercises like prenatal yoga or swimming to promote flexibility and strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles, reducing the strain on the round ligaments.
Proper Posture: Maintain good posture to alleviate pressure on the ligaments. Use pillows for support while sitting or sleeping to ensure your body is well-aligned.
Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help relax the muscles and alleviate round ligament pain.
Rest: Allow your body sufficient time to rest and recover. Avoid sudden movements and listen to your body's signals.
Pelvic Tilt: Perform pelvic tilts to relieve tension in the lower back and abdomen. This simple exercise can improve posture and reduce discomfort.
The Role of Pelvic Physical Therapy:
Pelvic physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role in managing round ligament pain by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting overall pelvic health. Here's how pelvic PT can help:
Education: Pelvic PT professionals provide education on proper body mechanics, posture, and exercises tailored to alleviate round ligament pain.
Manual Therapy: Skilled hands-on techniques can help release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas, providing relief from round ligament pain.
Exercise Prescription: Pelvic PTs design personalized exercise programs to strengthen the core and pelvic muscles, reducing the strain on the round ligaments.
Pain Management Strategies: Pelvic PTs may incorporate various pain management techniques, such as biofeedback and relaxation exercises, to help manage round ligament pain.
Emotional Support: Pregnancy can be emotionally challenging. Pelvic PTs offer emotional support and guidance, creating a holistic approach to well-being during this transformative time.
Navigating round ligament pain during pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach that combines self-care strategies at home with the expertise of pelvic physical therapy. By understanding the causes of round ligament pain and implementing practical tips and exercises, expectant mothers can enhance their overall well-being and experience a more comfortable pregnancy journey. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at the Center of Pelvic Excellence offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to address round ligament pain, promoting overall pelvic health during this transformative time. By prioritizing pelvic floor care, expectant mothers can experience a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy journey.