Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
A sharp, stabbing pain in your lower belly or groin when you move suddenly is one of the most common pregnancy complaints. It is usually round ligament pain, and while it can be alarming, it is almost always harmless. This guide explains what causes it, how to manage it, and when to seek medical advice.
The round ligaments are two cord-like structures that run from the top of your uterus down to your groin on each side. Before pregnancy, they are short and firm. As your uterus grows, these ligaments stretch and thicken to support it. This stretching can cause sharp, sudden pain, particularly during the second trimester when the uterus is growing most rapidly.
Round ligament pain is typically a sharp, jabbing, or stabbing sensation on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or groin. It can also feel like a dull ache that lingers after the sharp pain passes.
Common triggers include standing up quickly, rolling over in bed, coughing, sneezing, or laughing, getting out of a car, and any sudden movement or change in position. The pain usually lasts only a few seconds to a couple of minutes, though a dull ache may continue for longer.
Round ligament pain most commonly occurs during the second trimester (weeks 13 to 27), when the uterus is growing beyond the pelvis and the ligaments are stretching most dramatically. It can start as early as the first trimester in some people and may continue into the third trimester, though it often eases as the rate of uterine growth slows.
No. Round ligament pain is a normal part of pregnancy and poses no risk to you or your baby. It is simply the result of your body adapting to accommodate your growing uterus. However, because abdominal pain during pregnancy can have other causes, it is important to know when the pain you are experiencing might be something different.
The most effective prevention is to avoid sudden movements. When getting up from sitting or lying down, move slowly and support yourself. Roll onto your side before sitting up from bed rather than sitting straight up.
A maternity support belt or band can take some of the strain off the ligaments, particularly during exercise or if you are on your feet for long periods. Many people find these helpful from around 20 weeks onwards.
If you feel a sneeze or cough coming, try bending your hips slightly (leaning forward). This reduces the sudden pull on the ligaments that causes the sharp pain.
A warm (not hot) flannel or heat pad on the affected area can help soothe the ache. Avoid placing heat directly on your skin, and do not use a hot water bottle directly on your bump.
Pregnancy yoga and gentle stretching can help keep the ligaments and surrounding muscles flexible. The cat-cow stretch and gentle side stretches are particularly helpful. Avoid overstretching, as the hormone relaxin makes your ligaments more lax during pregnancy.
If the pain is bothering you, lying down on the opposite side to the pain can help. Putting a pillow between your knees and under your bump provides additional support.
If the pain is persistent or uncomfortable, paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy at the recommended dose. Avoid ibuprofen unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Round ligament pain is harmless, but abdominal pain during pregnancy should always be taken seriously if it does not match the typical pattern. Contact your midwife, GP, or maternity unit if:
These symptoms could indicate other conditions such as urinary tract infection, ectopic pregnancy (in early pregnancy), placental abruption, or preterm labour, all of which need prompt assessment.
The round ligaments are two cord-like structures that run from the top of your uterus down to your groin on each side. Before pregnancy, they are short and firm. As your uterus grows, these ligaments stretch and thicken to support it. This stretching can cause sharp, sudden pain, particularly during the second trimester when the uterus is growing most rapidly.
Round ligament pain is typically a sharp, jabbing, or stabbing sensation on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or groin. It can also feel like a dull ache that lingers after the sharp pain passes.
Round ligament pain most commonly occurs during the second trimester (weeks 13 to 27), when the uterus is growing beyond the pelvis and the ligaments are stretching most dramatically. It can start as early as the first trimester in some people and may continue into the third trimester, though it often eases as the rate of uterine growth slows.
No. Round ligament pain is a normal part of pregnancy and poses no risk to you or your baby. It is simply the result of your body adapting to accommodate your growing uterus. However, because abdominal pain during pregnancy can have other causes, it is important to know when the pain you are experiencing might be something different.
### Change positions slowly
Round ligament pain is harmless, but abdominal pain during pregnancy should always be taken seriously if it does not match the typical pattern. Contact your midwife, GP, or maternity unit if:
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