Abdominal pain is common in pregnancy and can alarm many women. A sensation like a pulled stomach muscle often comes from the round ligaments that support the uterus rather than a torn tissue.
As the uterus grows to make room for the baby, these ligaments can spasm or stretch. This causes sharp or dull discomfort low in the belly, hips or groin and may be felt on one or both sides, often from the second trimester.
Most cases settle with simple self-care such as rest, a warm pack and gentler movements. This guide shows practical ways to ease pain, safer ways to move and when to seek medical care.
If pain is severe, persistent, or comes with bleeding, fever, vomiting or change in discharge, contact your midwife, GP or maternity triage without delay. Have details ready about where it hurts and what makes it worse.
Key Takeaways
- Round ligament pain is a common cause of lower belly discomfort in pregnancy.
- Symptoms are usually one- or both-sided and linked to movement or stretching.
- Simple measures often bring quick relief; seek advice if symptoms worsen.
- Non-urgent causes include Braxton Hicks, trapped wind or constipation.
- In the UK, contact a midwife, GP or maternity triage for red-flag symptoms.
Understanding abdominal pain in pregnancy: what’s normal and what needs attention
Changing posture and added pressure on support structures often cause short-lived abdominal discomfort. This is usually not a sign of disease but of stretching tissues and the expanding uterus.
Round ligament pain often starts in the second trimester. It can feel like a sudden, sharp twinge or stitch low in the belly and may come on with quick position changes, bending or coughing. It typically eases with rest and warmth.
Digestive causes such as trapped wind, bloating and constipation also produce pain after meals. These usually improve with fluids, extra fibre and gentle walking.
| Cause | Typical feel | Usual trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Round ligament pain | Sharp, brief twinge | Sudden movement, uneven load |
| Digestive pain | Cramping, bloating | After eating, poor fibre intake |
| Braxton Hicks | Tightening, irregular | Later trimester, activity changes |
| Local strain | Local tenderness to touch | Overuse or direct strain |
Warning signs that need assessment include persistent or severe pain, fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, change in discharge or painful urination. Keep a note of where it hurts, what brings it on and what helps. Share these details with a midwife or GP for clearer advice.
Pulled stomach muscle pregnancy: what it can feel like and how to tell it apart
A sharp, stitch-like sensation in the groin or low abdomen can start without warning when moving quickly. Round ligament pain often gives this sudden twinge and is common in the second trimester.
What a pulled muscle or strained ligaments can feel like
A localised strain usually feels tender and sore to touch and aches when the affected area is used. It worsens with contraction of nearby tissues and stays fairly local.
Round ligament pain versus muscle strain: key differences
Ligament pain often shoots or feels like a stitch deeper in the groin or lower belly and eases with rest and warmth. By contrast, a strain causes persistent soreness that increases on pressing the site.
Common non-urgent causes and sided pain
Cramps from the growing uterus tend to be dull and wave‑like. Trapped wind, constipation and Braxton Hicks tightenings can mimic lower abdominal pain but usually pass with positional change.
“If rest and heat settle the ache and there are no other signs, ligament-related discomfort is likely.”
| Cause | Typical feel | Usual trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Round ligament pain | Sharp, brief twinge | Sudden movement, cough |
| Muscle strain | Tender, local ache | Overuse, direct strain |
| Cramps / Braxton Hicks | Dull, tightening waves | Later trimester, activity change |
Key pointer: note whether pain is on one side or both, if pressing makes it worse, and whether rest helps. If pain is persistent, severe, or comes with fever or vomiting, contact a midwife or GP.
Step-by-step relief: safe ways to ease discomfort now
When a sudden twinge starts, quick self-help steps can calm pain and prevent a longer flare-up. Start with a short pause and assess how the body feels before moving.
Immediate actions: rest, gentle position changes and moving more slowly
Pause activity, support the bump with hands or a cushion and take slow breaths. Roll onto the side before sitting up and use a log‑roll to stand, which reduces sudden stretch on ligaments.
Regular short rest breaks through the day help. Gentle walking can ease stiffness if sitting for long periods.
Applying warmth safely to the painful area
Use a warm pack or a warm bath for short periods to relax spasm and ease ligament pain. Keep temperatures comfortable — not hot — and avoid direct heat on sensitive skin.
Supportive positions for belly, hips, back and sides
- Side‑lie with a pillow under the bump and one between the knees to align hips and back.
- Sit with a rolled towel behind the lower back for support.
- Consider a light support garment or maternity belt when walking, and wear sturdy shoes to reduce impact.
Everyday triggers to avoid: sudden movements, uneven loads, coughing strain
Avoid twisting quickly, lifting uneven bags or carrying a toddler on one hip. Brace with a gentle exhale and hold a cushion to the lower belly when coughing to limit strain.
Ongoing care: simple exercises, posture and prevention tips
Simple daily habits and gentle movement can reduce flare-ups and help the body adapt as the baby grows. A short routine keeps tissues mobile without overloading the round ligament and eases common pain in later weeks.
Gentle stretches and movements
Try pelvic tilts seated or on hands and knees — 8–10 slow repetitions to engage the core safely. Add easy side‑lying stretches and slow hip circles to keep hips loose.
Move slowly when changing position and avoid sudden twists. Gentle daily walking or prenatal yoga approved by a midwife helps maintain comfort.
Posture, support garments and sleep positions
Stand tall with a neutral pelvis, relaxed shoulders and weight evenly distributed. Avoid standing on one leg for long periods.
- Use a light maternity belt or well‑fitted leggings for longer walks in the second trimester and beyond.
- Sleep on the side with pillows under the bump and between knees to keep the pelvis aligned.
- Wear cushioned, grippy shoes to prevent slips that might provoke ligament pain.
Tip: pace activity through the day, keep hydrated and have small snacks to reduce bloating and extra pressure.
When to contact a midwife or doctor: red flags and urgent symptoms
Any new, constant or worsening pain in the abdomen needs prompt assessment rather than home remedies. If someone has severe or unrelenting pain, they should contact a midwife, GP or maternity triage without delay.
Persistent pain, early contractions or reduced baby movements
Seek urgent review for constant severe pain, or if contractions start regularly before 37 weeks (closer than ten minutes apart).
After 28 weeks, a noticeable drop in baby movements also warrants same‑day advice.
Bleeding, fever, vomiting or painful urination
Call for help if pain comes with vaginal bleeding, fluid loss, fever, persistent vomiting or painful passing of urine.
New swelling or redness over a painful area may signal infection and needs prompt assessment.
Specific right‑sided or upper abdomen warnings
Right upper abdominal pain with severe headache, blurred vision or breathlessness could be pre‑eclampsia and needs same‑day attention.
Right lower abdominal pain with fever, nausea and vomiting may indicate appendicitis. Sharp upper right pain after meals with nausea can suggest gallstones.
- Quick checklist: note timing of contractions, which side the pain is on and any extra symptoms.
- Ring NHS 111, the maternity unit or your midwife if unsure — better to get assessed early.
Round ligament pain usually eases with rest and warmth and does not cause bleeding, fever or ongoing vomiting; the presence of those signs needs escalation.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Many episodes of brief lower abdominal pain are due to normal changes in how the body supports the growing baby. Round ligament pain and similar ligament pain often improve with simple self-care and time.
Move more slowly, support the bump when changing position and use warmth on the area to ease discomfort. Adopt supportive resting positions and keep gentle activity and posture checks as part of daily care.
Most causes are not dangerous. However, act quickly for concerning signs such as contractions before term, bleeding or reduced baby movements. Clear information about symptoms helps health teams give prompt advice and reassurance.
