Round Ligament Pain & Chiropractic Care
Round Ligament Pain & Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Sharp pains in your lower abdomen can be alarming during pregnancy, especially when they appear suddenly with movement. Round ligament pain is one of the most common causes of these discomforts, and while it is usually considered a normal part of pregnancy, it can still interfere with your daily life. At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic care to help support your body’s changing needs throughout pregnancy.
What Is It?
Round ligament pain is a common pregnancy-related discomfort caused by stretching and tension in the round ligaments, which help support the uterus. These ligaments extend from the uterus through the pelvis and into the groin area.
As the uterus grows, the round ligaments lengthen and become more sensitive to sudden movements. Many women experience brief, sharp pains or aching sensations in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or groin, especially during the second trimester, although symptoms can occur earlier or later in pregnancy.
Round ligament pain is generally considered a normal part of pregnancy, but persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain on one or both sides of the pelvis
- Aching or pulling sensations in the groin
- Pain that occurs when standing up quickly
- Discomfort with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Pain when rolling over in bed
- Brief episodes of pain that improve with rest
- Tightness or tension around the lower abdomen
Possible Causes
Round ligament pain occurs as the uterus expands and the ligaments supporting it stretch to accommodate your growing baby.
Factors that may contribute include:
- Rapid uterine growth
- Hormonal changes that affect connective tissue
- Sudden movements or position changes
- Changes in posture and balance
- Increased tension within the pelvis
- Carrying multiple babies
- Previous pregnancies
Although round ligament pain is common, abdominal pain during pregnancy should never be ignored if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.
Red Flags
Contact your OB, midwife, or healthcare provider immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding, contractions, fever, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, leaking fluid, decreased fetal movement, painful urination, or pain that continues to worsen rather than improve.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand that pregnancy discomforts often involve more than just one muscle or ligament.
Our neurologically-focused approach looks at how your spine, pelvis, and nervous system are adapting to pregnancy. Changes in posture, pelvic mechanics, and muscle tension can influence how your body manages the physical demands of a growing baby.
Care is gentle, specific, and tailored to your stage of pregnancy. We use pregnancy-safe techniques and comfortable positioning to help support mobility, pelvic balance, and nervous system function.
Dr. Jayme also utilizes Webster-informed analysis to assess pelvic balance and encourage optimal movement patterns throughout pregnancy.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
When needed, we collaborate with OBs, midwives, pelvic floor therapists, massage therapists, doulas, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive support for moms and babies.
When does round ligament pain usually start?
Round ligament pain most commonly begins during the second trimester as the uterus grows rapidly, but some women experience symptoms earlier or later in pregnancy.
Is round ligament pain harmful to my baby?
Round ligament pain is generally considered a normal pregnancy discomfort and is not harmful to your baby. However, severe or persistent abdominal pain should always be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
Can chiropractic care help round ligament pain?
Chiropractic care may help support pelvic balance, mobility, and nervous system function. Many moms seek care to help reduce tension and improve comfort as their bodies change throughout pregnancy.
What makes round ligament pain worse?
Sudden movements such as standing quickly, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or rolling over in bed commonly trigger symptoms.
Is it normal to have pain on only one side?
Yes. Many women experience round ligament pain more on one side than the other, although discomfort can occur on either side or both.
Pregnancy brings enough changes without adding pain and discomfort to the mix. If round ligament pain is interfering with your sleep, movement, or daily activities, New Journey Chiropractic is here to support you with gentle, neurologically-focused care.
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse who is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Chiropractic Pediatrics. Her unique background combines healthcare experience with advanced training in caring for pregnant women, infants, and families.
At New Journey Chiropractic, Dr. Jayme believes pregnancy care should be gentle, empowering, and centered around the whole family. She is passionate about helping moms feel supported and confident throughout every stage of pregnancy.