How to Avoid Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy?

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Round ligament pain is a common complaint among pregnant women. Even though this type of pain doesn’t last long (just a few seconds), it can be extremely painful. If possible, how to avoid round ligament pain during pregnancy, is something that all women would like to know about.

Since the symptoms of round ligament pain can mimic other, more serious ailments (such as an appendicitis or premature labor), it is recommended that a health care professional makes an accurate diagnosis of the abdominal pain you are experiencing. Once a proper diagnosis is confirmed, below is list of tips that many pregnant women may find helpful, to limit and even avoid round ligament pain.

  •  Adding doctor recommended daily stretching exercises can reduce the duration and intensity of round ligament pain. Kneeling exercises and pelvic tilt-type exercises are some of the top recommended stretching positions.
  • Prenatal yoga is an excellent way to stay physically healthy and mentally focused, during pregnancy. To avoid round ligament pain, two particular yoga poses are recommended: the “cat cow” and the “savasana.”
  • The cat cow pose starts off with your hands and knees on the floor, fingers should be spread wide apart and pointed forward. Take a deep breath in and round your back high, allowing your head to fall naturally forward. When exhaling, pull your belly towards the floor, while extending the back and stretching the round ligament.
  • The savasana pose is commonly used as the last pose in a series of yoga sequences. Using a pillow to support your head, curl into a fetal position.Pregnant women should be performing this exercise on their left side. A pillow propped between the legs will alleviate any pressure from the lower back.
  • Utilize available pillows. By strategically placing a pillow under your belly while sleeping, can help to relieve pressure on the ligaments. Having a pillow between your knees has also been said, to add overall comfort and relieve physical stress.
  • Extra pressure is placed on ligaments that are already stretched; when a pregnant lady is standing or sitting for long periods of time, without having breaks often to shift their position. It is important to take as many breaks as possible, if you need to stand or be in a sitting position for longer than 60 minutes at a time.
  • Proper posture can and will minimize pain, especially discomfort associated with the round ligament. Knees should not be locked and hips should be pushed slightly forward, to minimize a lower back arch and minimize pain.
  • Make yourself comfortable by whatever means necessary. Adjust a chair and use cushions, and many health care professionals recommend not to cross your legs while in a sitting position.
  • Pelvic supports aids, such as maternity belts are used to support and raise the uterus and hips, as well as support ligaments. In addition, specialized maternity belts can relieve back pain by providing added support.
  • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine. These simple lifestyle changes will help to keep your body’s overall health, including the over stretched muscles and ligament. When properly hydrated, unwanted issues like constipation, can be avoided.
  • Working closely with a physical therapist while pregnant, can help to reduce potential pain associated with round ligaments. A trained physical therapist will have extensive knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, and will be able to recommend safe stretching exercises that are effective, to perform while pregnant.
  • Round ligament pain can be triggered by sudden movements. In order to avoid an episode of sharp pain, it is advised that when a pregnant woman feels a cough or sneeze coming on, she should bend slightly at the hip and knees, to minimize the overall impact on her body.
  • Massage therapy is a recommended type of non-invasive treatment that is said to bring relief from common ailments and discomforts. Prenatal massage is a special type of massage that is targeted toward increasing the comfort of the mother-to-be, and decreases the discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as round ligament pain.
  • Acetaminophen is said to be a safe over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant women, but make sure to check with your health care professional, before taking any type of medication that has not been medically approved by your attending doctor.

It is advised that you consult with a doctor, if you experience any pain during pregnancy. If you incur round ligament pain during pregnancy, seek immediate medical attention if the discomfort is accompanied with bleeding or vaginal discharge. In addition, contact a physician immediately, if the intense pain lasts more than second or two. Constant pressure in the abdomen can be a symptom of a more serious ailment.

References

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-blog/round-ligament-pain/bgp-20111536

https://www.behance.net/gallery/33536631/Safe-Exercise-to-Do-From-31st-Week-of-Your-Pregnancy?

http://mommd.com/blogs/31st-week-of-pregnancy-healthy-signs-of-baby-s-movement.shtml

Claire John
Claire John is a beauty and fitness blogger and having 6 years of experience in beauty industry. She is a graduate from Texas Southern University. She likes to read and write about latest beauty trend and has been actively involved in Fitness and dieting programs. She is reliable source for expert advice and feedback on the latest in beauty and fitness product and tips Such as wrinkles creams, skin creams, home remedies, diet supplements, diet plan and exercise. She is contributing to the top resources in the area of Skincare, Beauty, Weight loss and fitness related websites.