4 weeks pregnant sharp pain right side

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.

Table of Contents Show

Causes of Round Ligament Pain
Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain
Treatment of Round Ligament Pain
When to Call the Doctor
Is sharp pain normal at 4 weeks pregnant?
Do you get sharp pains in your side in early pregnancy?
When should I worry about right side pain in pregnancy?

Here is what you need to know about round ligament pain, including some tips to help you feel better.

Causes of Round Ligament Pain

Several thick ligaments surround and support your womb (uterus) as it grows during pregnancy. One of them is called the round ligament.

The round ligament connects the front part of the womb to your groin, the area where your legs attach to your pelvis. The round ligament normally tightens and relaxes slowly.

As your baby and womb grow, the round ligament stretches. That makes it more likely to become strained.

Sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, like a rubber band snapping. This causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling.

Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain can be concerning and uncomfortable. But it is considered normal as your body changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms of round ligament pain include a sharp, sudden spasm in the belly. It usually affects the right side, but it may happen on both sides. The pain only lasts a few seconds.

Exercise may cause the pain, as will rapid movements such as:

sneezing
coughing
laughing
rolling over in bed
standing up too quickly

Treatment of Round Ligament Pain

Here are some tips that may help reduce your discomfort:

Pain relief. Take over-the-counter acetaminophen for pain, if necessary. Ask your doctor if this is OK.

Exercise. Get plenty of exercise to keep your stomach (core) muscles strong. Doing stretching exercises or prenatal yoga can be helpful. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you and your baby.

A helpful exercise involves putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head, and pushing your backside into the air.

Avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly (such as standing up or sitting down) to avoid sudden movements that may cause stretching and pain.

Flex your hips. Bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze, or laugh to avoid pulling on the ligaments.

Apply warmth. A heating pad or warm bath may be helpful. Ask your doctor if this is OK. Extreme heat can be dangerous to the baby.

You should try to modify your daily activity level and avoid positions that may worsen the condition.

When to Call the Doctor

Always tell your doctor about any type of pain you have during pregnancy. Round ligament pain is quick and doesn't last long.

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

severe pain
pain that lasts for more than a few minutes
fever
chills
pain on urination
difficulty walking

Belly pain during pregnancy can be due to many different causes. It is important for your doctor to rule out more serious conditions, including pregnancy complications such as placenta abruption or non-pregnancy illnesses such as:

inguinal hernia
appendicitis
stomach, liver, and kidney problems

Preterm labor pains may sometimes be mistaken for round ligament pain.

Show Sources

SOURCES:

American Pregnancy Association web site: "Round Ligament Pain."

Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health web site: "Pregnancy: Body Changes and Discomforts."

Ratcliffe, S. Family Medicine Obstetrics, 3rd edition, Elsevier Mosby, 2008.

Ferri, F, Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013, 1st edition, Mosby Elsevier, 2012.

Marx, J. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, 7th edition, Mosby Elsevier, 2009.

I'm going to Crowborough Birthing Centre as long as everything goes well. They were fantastic with DD and I left 9 hours after having her. Where abouts are you?

I know what you mean about being emotional! I helped this blind man cross the road and nearly burst into tears, as well as other random and in the grand scheme of things, minor things! Oh well, just one of the things of being pregnant!

I haven't told DD yet either. I keep thinking I will go for my scan and there wont be a baby or something. Note to self - must think positive!

I'm off to buy maternity bras this weekend already and I cant hold my stomach in anymore either so think I'm going to show really early!

I'm dreading one born every minute later, I always cry but still gonna watch :)! I can only find 1 birthing centre near me, I'm in birmingham, and believe me I am defo NOT going there!!

I still have my maternity bras from being pregnant with ds luckily. Nothing else tho, I'm trying to persuade oh into buying a new pushchair lol, he says I can use the old one!! I'm having none of it! Its green! What if I have a girl :).

Is sharp pain normal at 4 weeks pregnant?

Round ligament pain happens because the uterus is growing, and the ligaments that support it must shift to accommodate the growth. This pain is usually a sharp, stabbing sensation that can happen on one or both sides of the uterus. It may be sudden and usually only lasts a few seconds.

Do you get sharp pains in your side in early pregnancy?

Harmless stomach pains, which can be dull or sharp, may be caused by: ligament pain (often called "growing pains" as the ligaments stretch to support your growing bump) – this can feel like a sharp cramp on one side of your lower tummy.

When should I worry about right side pain in pregnancy?

Right side pain during pregnancy is generally no cause for concern — just another result of the many physical changes during pregnancy. But if the pain accompanies bleeding, discharge, severe headaches, or other serious symptoms, it is important to receive medical attention.