What is round ligament pain?
This is also known as round ligament strain or round ligament syndrome. The round ligaments are two cord-like structures made of the same smooth muscle tissue as the rest of the uterus. They extend from the top of the uterus on either side, down through the abdominal wall. The fibers terminate in the vulva. During pregnancy, they stretch and grow with the rest of the uterus, and this is sometimes painful. This pain may occur on either or both sides, anywhere along the course of either ligament. It is often aggravated by walking, changing position in bed or by fetal movement but may occur for no apparent reason at all. It is most common during the second trimester and less common during the first pregnancy.
