How does a woman know if it is round ligament pain or something more serious?

Here is the answer!
Many women who become pregnant may be both surprised and alarmed when they feel a sudden discomfort or pain in their abdomen. While there are certain cases where pregnant women will want to be concerned the majority of the time this pain will simply be round ligament. Here are some signs to look for for those pregnant women who are asking “How do I know if it is round ligament pain or something else?”.

Round ligament pain is a very normal part of pregnancy as the pregnancy progresses and the woman’s body begins to experience these changes. It can happen to women who are pregnant for the first time or women who have already had children. Often women who have already had children become more sensitive to it with each new pregnancy.

Round ligament pain is the result of the round ligaments stretching. This stretching occurs due to the uterus growing both in length and in weight. This pulling can result in light pains that might not even notice to more serious pains that may worry the mom to be. The more serious pains are a result of this stretching occurring near sensitive nerve fibers.

The sign that may tell you it is round ligament pain is if it occurs more often on the right side. It may feel like a small spasm or like a strong contraction. These pains may come from a number of reasons. One typical reason is when women are sleeping and they roll over to their other side. This can result in more stretching thus causing the pregnant woman to wake up feeling the pain. Sometimes all it takes is the woman turning the wrong way. While it is important for pregnant women to stay healthy and exercise while pregnant, exercise can be an extra cause of round ligament pain so if you begin to feel cramps or spasms after exercising, it is more than likely round ligament pain.

For those who are still concerned with the amount of pain, it is always important to discuss your concerns with your doctor or midwife. If they also agree that the pain is round ligament pain there are some at home remedies that you can try to help ease the pain. First simply try turning the other way or switching positions when you sleep. Next, hot baths may provide some relief as well. Heating pads can be used for a small amount of time but they are not recommended for longer periods of time. As with all pregnancy discomforts this too will be gone once the baby is born and in your arms.

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