- (636) 296-8123
- office@abundanthealthstl.com
- 1804 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010
Round ligament pain is that sharp, pulling, sometimes stabbing sensation low on the sides of your belly, usually on the right, that hits when you stand up too fast, roll over in bed, sneeze, cough or laugh.
Your round ligaments are two cords of connective tissue that run from the upper part of your uterus down into your groin. Their job is to help hold your uterus in position. As your uterus grows, those ligaments stretch, thin out and get pulled tight. When you move suddenly, they can spasm, and that is the grab you feel.
It is one of the most common complaints of the second trimester. It is also one of the most alarming the first time it happens, because a sharp pain low in the belly during pregnancy is frightening until someone explains it to you.
Most patients describe some mix of:
When to call your OB or midwife instead of us. Round ligament pain is short, sharp and tied to movement. It is not constant, it does not come with bleeding, and it does not come in a regular rhythm. If your pain is steady rather than fleeting, comes with bleeding, fever, or contractions at regular intervals, or you just do not feel right, contact your OB or midwife straight away. Please do not wait for a chiropractic appointment to sort that out.
The Webster Technique is one approach we use to assess and support sacral and pelvic mechanics during pregnancy. The ICPA defines Webster as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment intended to reduce the effects of sacral and SI-joint dysfunction. When appropriate, prenatal care may also include gentle soft-tissue work around the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvis.
Round ligament pain is primarily related to the normal stretching of the ligaments as the uterus grows. Changes in posture and pelvic mechanics may add to overall discomfort, so we assess the sacrum and pelvis as part of a broader prenatal evaluation.
If your discomfort is centered over the pubic bone or at the back of your pelvis rather than the sides of your belly, our pelvic girdle pain page may be a better fit.
What a visit involves:
If you are new to our office, you can see what to expect at your first visit.
Round ligament pain is related to the normal stretching of the ligaments as the uterus grows, so we do not promise to make it disappear. Our goal is to support pelvic mechanics, movement and overall comfort as your body continues to change.
Both Dr. Amy Horn and Dr. Caitlin Cross are Webster-certified through the ICPA, so whichever doctor you see has prenatal-specific training. Dr. Cross also holds the CACCP.
We are at 1804 Jeffco Blvd in Arnold, about 25 minutes south of downtown St. Louis, and we see prenatal patients from across Jefferson County and south St. Louis County. Round ligament pain is part of our everyday prenatal chiropractic care, alongside craniosacral therapy, nutritional support and acupuncture.
We are also happy to coordinate with your OB, midwife or doula.
Chiropractic does not directly treat the underlying stretching of the round ligaments or guarantee relief. We use the Webster Technique to assess and support sacral and pelvic mechanics during pregnancy and may include gentle soft-tissue work around the structures supporting the pelvis. Some patients find this supportive care helps them move more comfortably.
A sharp, pulling or stabbing pain low on the sides of your belly, most often the right, triggered by sudden movement like standing up, rolling over, sneezing or laughing. It usually lasts seconds to a couple of minutes and then eases.
Most commonly in the second trimester, around 14 to 20 weeks, as the uterus grows quickly. Some patients notice it earlier and some later.
Move more slowly when you change position, bend your knees and draw them toward you before you sneeze or cough, roll over in bed as one unit rather than twisting, use a pregnancy pillow at night, and try a warm bath or heat pack. If it keeps interrupting your day, come in and let us look at your pelvis.
Round ligament pain itself is a normal part of pregnancy and is not harmful. What matters is telling it apart from things that need medical attention. If your pain is constant rather than fleeting, or comes with bleeding, fever, or regular contractions, call your OB or midwife right away.
Yes. We use low force, prenatal specific adjustments and pregnancy positioning. We will ask you to check with your OB or midwife first if you have vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, preeclampsia or a risk of preterm labour.
