Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: When to See a Doctor

Question
I have pelvic pain and I am not sure if I should ignore it or go to a doctor.

Answer
Dear Deborah,

It's hard to answer this question without more specific information.

If you are in your 2nd trimester, this may very well be round ligament pain. Round ligament pain is due to normal changes that take place as your body is transformed by pregnancy. Round ligament pain refers to a type of pelvic pain caused by stretching of the round ligaments. This occurs more commonly on the right side of the pelvis, but can occur on either side or both sides.

Thick ligaments, one of which is called the round ligament, hold your uterus in suspension within your abdomen. As the uterus grows in size and weight, these ligaments become very long and thin, stressing and tensing like rubber bands. The ligaments pull and tug on nearby nerve fibers and sensitive structures, causing pain. The severity of pain can worry you. Although round ligament pain is uncomfortable, it is also very normal.

Any movement (including going from a sitting position to standing position quickly, laughing, or coughing) that stretches these ligaments, by making the ligaments contract quickly, can cause a woman to experience pain.

Rest is one of the best ways to help with this kind of pain. Changing positions slowly allows the ligaments to stretch more gradually and can help alleviate any pain. If you know that you are going to sneeze, cough, or laugh you can bend and flex your hips, which can reduce the pull on the ligaments. If you are having consistent round ligament pain your doctor may recommend daily stretching exercises. The most common exercise is done by placing your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head to the floor, and keeping your bottom in the air.

If pelvic pain is ever accompanied by fever, vaginal bleeding, lightheadedness/fainting, or vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24-48 hours, you should contact your doctor. Any time you have a question about it - or your instinct tells you that you should call - then call. OB doctors are used to it, believe me.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda