Many women experience round ligament pain starting in their second trimesters of pregnancy. It can be felt as a short, stabbing pain if you suddenly change position, or it may feel like a dull ache that stays with you after a particularly active day. Typical areas of complaint are the lower abdomen and groin.

The round ligaments surround and support the uterus in the pelvis. As the uterus expands during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch; the stretching is what causes the pain. There is a ligament on each side of your pelvis.

Tips to ease the discomfort of round ligament pain

If you are diagnosed with round ligament pain, try these tips to relieve some of your discomfort:

• Avoid sudden movements
• Shift positions slowly
• Apply warm compresses or a heating pad to the area
• Hold the area if you think that you are about to sneeze or cough
• Rest as much as possible
• Try a warm bath to relax the ligaments
• Lay in bed on your side with your knees drawn up slightly. Place a pillow under your stomach and one behind your back to relieve some of the pressure.

Or you can just wait, as stretch marks become less noticeable over time.