Round Ligament pains...anyone Have Advice?

Hi C.,
I am 38 1/2 weeks and I have had round ligament pain on and off throughout my whole pregnancy. At times the pain does make me double over and not even be able to move. I found that resting- laying on my left side really helped b/c the pains were so much worse when I was active (like when walking). My doctor's office also recommended that I increase the amount of water I was drinking b/c I guess the pains can get worse if you are dehydrated. Good luck and congratulations!

Hey C.,
I had the same pain and went to my chiropractor (Ohm Chiropractic in Media, PA.). They would massage the area and stretch my legs a certain way to alleviate the pain. It was the only thing that worked. I couldn't wait to get to the next visit so I would feel better!
Good Luck,
P.

hey C. - sounds painful! i'm due in october, and the only way i can seem to avoid those pains is by getting up very slowly. any shifting in bed, twisting, etc, i have to do slowly or i'll get those as well. i think it's also harder on us the second time as well [this is also my 2nd pregnancy], as those ligaments are looser this time around. good luck!

ps: my daughter will be 2 1/2 when we give birth to our boy in october. does yours seem to get it? i really don't think my girl understands another baby is on the way even though we talk about it and have books, etc.

have you tried going to a chiropractor? I do some "round ligament releases" on my preggie patients... sometimes massage therapists who specialize in women's health and pregnancy know these releases too. you can try it yourself, depending on how much you can handle, it can be painful. it's hard to describe, but i'll do my best...

if you feel around where it's sore/where it cramps, you may feel a sore bump. you press slightly in to your abdomen and upwards toward your shoulder (if you're doing it to yourself, you'll almost be "pulling up" under your belly with your index and middle finger. essentially atttempting to stretch that ligament out, not just compressing it...) you can do this starting out seated and slowly stand while doing the "pull". (i know, easier said than done) or you can just lay on your back and maybe have someone do it for you (they could either stand by your head and 'pull' up or stand at your knees and push up...

again, be careful not to push IN. you're just applying enough pressure to cause tension in the ligament to stretch it.

I'm not currently practicing because i'm home with my 9mo old, but if you live nearby, maybe I could try it for you if you can't find anyone. Just let me know!

Hi C., well I'm not sure if what i had ws the same thing because it was never given a name but I had horrible pain in the grion area and to the point where I was hunched over. I was told the baby was low and was leaning on the musles and nerves. They told me it was normal and not to worry. My first child I didn't have this with. I hope this helps you to know you are not the only one. You don't have that much more time to go. Good Luck.

I also had round lig pain more at the beginning of my 2nd trimester. I was scared at first because it hurt so bad. My books said RLP was a mild discomfort and mine was not. They recommended tylenol and warm compresses or heating pad.

Hi C.! I do so remember those pains!!! I had them with all three of my pregnancies...and some after to tell the truth. The worst were the ones that hit when I tried to "roll" over in my sleep! I found that rubbing, or putting some pressure on the side that hurts eases it a bit, but really all you can do is stop, breath and wait for the pain to pass. Sorry I can't give you a better cure, but at least you only have to deal with them for a couple of more weeks! Congrats and best wishes!!

My baby was breech, so I ended up going to a chiropractor to see if my pelvis was out of alignment and if that was keeping him from having room to turn. While I was there, she also massaged the area where I was having some round ligament pain, and, while it was sore when she did it, I found that it took away most of the pain after that.
I hope your pain goes away!

The pregnancy girdle helped a bit when I walked, but luckily, it does disappear once you give birth:) Hang in there!

i am 32 weeks and seem to have pain everywhere. i also have sciatica. i went to physical thereapy and had not much relief so i started swimming about 3 weeks ago. i love it and i feel so much better. i float for a bit after too, it's nice not to feel so heavy. i feel like i am as big as i was when i delivered my first son and wonder how i'll grow anymore! i also bought a maternity undergarment at motherhood similar to spanx. they are like biker shorts that come up to your ribs. great for belly and back support and the keep my thighs from rubbing when i wear a skirt or dress. i have a girdle and i don't like it. good luck, you are in the home stretch!

Hi C.,
I had a similar problem and found some relief when I started doing yoga. I found a great tape "mom and baby yoga" I still had the pains every once in a while, but the were not as bad.

I didn't get those pains... i got the down there pain!! I was thinking maybe a warm towel would help a little?? Good luck, and just think...you are almost there!

I'm about 39 weeks pregnant and I have the same problem at times. It's horrible, isn't it? I haven't really found anything myself except whenever possible I try to get off my feet and relax when I get them. (which is hard because I myself also have an almost 2-1/2 yr old daughter) I never tried the maternity supports they sell though. That might work. But at 39 weeks, I think I'm personally just going to hang in there. Best of luck to you! I'm having a boy this time too! Very exciting!

hate to say but usually they get worse and start earlier with each baby.

Do some stretching exercises maybe look for support don't carry, lift heavy things.

Oh, C....I have felt your pain! This happened to me during my last pregnancy at 32 weeks and I couldn't walk either! It was terribly painful. The ONLY thing that helped was the "Prenatal Cradle". It was costly but it was so worth it. It really relieved alot of my pain and I was able to do so much more. Make sure you get the one that has the shoulder straps and the strap that goes between your legs...it'll look rediculous but who cares!!!!! Hope this helps!

Hey C.

I am 38 weeks along and have had the same pains as you describe. I have also gotten to the point where I am doub;ed over and can't stand up straight. Unfortunately, I just have to slowly try to straighten up until the pain has eased. I haven't found anything that makes it stop. Just wanted you to know that you aren't alone.

I had these pains too. There isn't really too much I did other than just be very careful and do everything slow. I stood up slow and held my belly when I sneezed. Eventually they mostly went away. Sorry I didn't have more advice to offer.!

oh yeah!! i had those too!!! they are not any fun!!! its just your pelvis stretching and getting ready for delivery!!!

Hi C.,

Check the web for maternity support garments, that might help with the pain.

http://www.bodiassets.com/maternity_support.html

Good luck. Hope this helps. D.

I had the same problem. Get a pregnancy belt to wear under your belly. It will help hold up your belly and ease the pain you are feeling. You can pick one up at Motherhood

I not only had round ligament pain but also a pelvic split. The round ligament pain was sharp and pulling but the pelvic split was like my hip bones were being pulled apart. Nothing made a difference. If I tired to exercise more to strengthen my self it was worse if I rested it was worse. I kind of got to the point where I had a very unusual waddle as it was the only way I could deal with walking. My baby was 9lbs 5oz so I guess that was part of the reason. There's nothing much they can do for a pelvic split. Chiropractic care sometimes helps but not always. At 35 weeks your almost there for it to being over!!!

C.,
I had pains so bad with my first that I doubled over. My doc sent me to a physical therapist, who had the same problem with her pregnancies, and reccommended a maternity girdle. Don't worry, there's a mesh panel for where the baby is. JC Penny's sold one that worked well until my daughter rotated into a breech position. Then, I had a maternity girdle made by McArdle Surgical in the North Hills. It did the job, and I used it again for my next pregnancy. Good Luck!
A.

I had those pains with both of my pregnancies, mostly when first standing up. I was on my feet a lot at work and started wearing one of those belly bands to support my belly. It really helped, especially during that last month. I bought the band at Babies r Us.

Oh, I rmember those well! They suck & tend to worsen w/ each pregnancy. :-(
Have you tried chiropractic at all? Keeping everything in alignment can really do wonders! I LOVED my chiropractor when I was pregnant last year & continue to see him regularly! If you live near Easton, I'd be happy to pass along his name & website! He is FANTASTIC!