The Round Ligament

My wife has been complaining lately of a shooting pain down the right side of her belly and in her groin area.  It comes and goes, but when it comes, it's excruciating.  We found out that it's being caused by round ligament pain, and that it's one of the most common complaints during pregnancy.

There are several thick ligaments that surround and support the womb as it grows during pregnancy.  One of them runs along the side and connects the front part of the womb to the groin.  It is called the round ligament.  As the baby grows and stretches out the uterus, it applies pressure to the round ligament which stretches slowly to accommodate.  During these periods of strain, sudden and sharp movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, sending a sudden jabbing feeling through the body.  The pain is usually felt along the right side, in the belly, and in the groin.  Exercising, sneezing, coughing, laughing, and rolling over or standing up too quickly can all trigger the pain.

Recommended treatments can include getting enough exercise, especially stretching and core-strengthening (e.g. getting down on all fours on the floor, lowering your head, and gently pushing your backside into the air).  Also, avoiding sudden movement when changing positions to avoid stretching the ligament and bending or flexing the hips before coughing, sneezing, or laughing.  A heating pad or warm bath may be used, as long as it's not too hot or for too long.

In a nutshell, it's just one of those things that she will have to suffer through for a while.  I feel bad that there is nothing I can do to help alleviate her pain.