QuestionI am 39 weeks pregnant and have had a pain in my lower right side over the last couple days. The pain is located a couple inches up and over (towards my stomach) from my right hip bone. It is a dull ache and hurts worse when pressure is applied to the area. Is this pain worrisome and what could be causing it?
Thank you in advance for your time.
Courtni
AnswerDear Courtni,
This sounds like it may be some stretching of the round ligaments of your uterus - a typical pain in pregnancy. Round ligament pain generally refers to a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache that pregnant women commonly feel in the lower abdomen or groin, starting in the second trimester.
You may feel round ligament pain as a short jabbing sensation if you suddenly change position, such as when you're getting out of bed or out of a chair or when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. You may feel it as a dull ache after a particularly active day - when you've been walking a lot or doing some other physical activity.
The round ligaments surround your uterus in your pelvis. As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch out to accommodate and support it. These changes can occasionally cause pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. You may also feel the pain starting from deep inside your groin, and can move upward and outward on either side to the top of your hips. The pain is internal, but if you were to trace it on your skin, it would often follow the bikini line on a very high-cut bathing suit.
It is worth a mention to your doctor at your next visit, but I think it is likely a benign pain of pregnancy - likely your body getting ready for delivery. If it worsens in intensity or if you would develop a fever, let your doctor know right away.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a blessed delivery.
Brenda
