Getting pregnant is one of the most joyous moments in a woman’s life. There is simply nothing more special than being a mother. Unfortunately, the numerous body and hormone changes created by pregnancy can also cause some difficult health issues. One of the most common complications associated with pregnancy is pain. If this pain is occurring near the lower stomach and groin, then you are likely dealing with a medical condition called round ligament pain. Seeking the advice and treatment of a medical professional is the best way to start feeling normal again.
Causes of Round Ligament Pain
The round ligament is a thick ligament that connects the uterus to the groin. This ligament gradually stretches throughout the pregnancy to help support the womb. The extra hormones produced by your body during pregnancy are supposed to help strengthen the round ligament, but this does not always happen. If the round ligament is not sufficiently strengthened, then it will become strained as your pregnancy progresses. This strain on the round ligament is the primary cause of your unwanted pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain
The most obvious sign of a strained round ligament is pain near the lower abdomen and groin. The discomfort is often described as a sharp pain that does not last more than a few seconds. The pain primarily occurs after making quick, sudden movements. This makes it very difficult to laugh, sneeze, cough, or stand up without feeling a horrible pain in the belly.
Your Treatment Options
Treating round ligament pain is all about controlling your discomfort. If the pain is really bad, then the doctor will likely tell you to take over-the-counter pain medication. It is usually completely safe to take these medications while pregnant, but you should still get approved by the doctor before taking them. Heat has also been proven to help alleviate the symptoms of round ligament pain. The easiest way to get the heat to your stomach is by taking a warm bath or using a heating pad. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can harm the baby, so you need to be very careful when using heating pads and hot water to treat your pain.
While sudden movements can aggravate your symptoms, slowly stretching can be extremely beneficial. These exercises will help strengthen the ligaments surrounding the uterus. Once the ligaments are strong enough to support the womb, your painful symptoms will dissipate. The doctor will provide detailed instructions on exactly how to perform the stretching exercises.
Contact Us Today for More Information
Dealing with uncomfortable pain is always a problem, but it is an even bigger concern when you are pregnant. Get one step closer to normal life by scheduling your round ligament pain appointment with South Lake OBGYN. At our convenient locations in Clermont, our caring team of devoted professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation.