Chiropractic Care for Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain is one of the most common—and uncomfortable—complaints during pregnancy. This sharp or pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or groin can make everyday movements feel sudden and painful, especially as your body adapts to your growing baby.
While round ligament pain is a normal part of pregnancy, it doesn’t mean you have to simply “push through it.” Chiropractic care offers a safe, gentle, and effective way to reduce discomfort, improve pelvic balance, and support a more comfortable pregnancy.
What Is Round Ligament Pain?
The round ligaments are two supportive bands of connective tissue that help hold the uterus in place. They run from the front of the uterus through the pelvis and into the groin. As the uterus expands during pregnancy, these ligaments stretch and tighten.
Round ligament pain is typically felt as:
Sharp, stabbing pain or pulling sensations
A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
Discomfort on one or both sides
Pain is often triggered by sudden movements such as standing up quickly, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or rolling over in bed. It most commonly appears during the second trimester but can occur at any stage of pregnancy.
Common Causes of Round Ligament Pain
Several changes during pregnancy contribute to round ligament pain, including:
Uterine growth, which increases tension on the ligaments
Hormonal changes, particularly relaxin, which increases ligament flexibility
Sudden or asymmetrical movements that stress already-stretched ligaments
Postural changes caused by a shifting center of gravity and pelvic mechanics
When pelvic joints aren’t moving optimally, additional strain is placed on the round ligaments—often intensifying discomfort.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Round Ligament Pain
Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on restoring balance, mobility, and support to the pelvis and surrounding structures.
Chiropractic care may help by:
Improving pelvic mobility, reducing strain on the round ligaments
Releasing muscle and fascial tension around the pelvis and abdomen
Supporting better posture as your body changes
Improving overall comfort and movement throughout pregnancy
Gentle adjustments help your pelvis move as it should, allowing your body to better distribute the growing weight of pregnancy and reduce ligament stress.
What to Expect from Pregnancy Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is always tailored to the needs of the expectant mother, using techniques that prioritize comfort and safety for both mom and baby.
Treatment may include:
Gentle pelvic adjustments to restore joint motion and balance
Webster Technique, commonly used to address pelvic alignment and ligament tension (Dr. Kara is Webster Certified)
Soft tissue therapy to ease muscle and ligament tightness
Posture and movement guidance for daily activities
Pregnancy-safe exercises and stretches to support pelvic stability
A Safe, Supportive Approach to Pregnancy Comfort
Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach to managing round ligament pain by addressing the root causes—pelvic dysfunction, muscle tension, and postural strain. By supporting proper alignment and movement, chiropractic care helps your body adapt more comfortably to the physical demands of pregnancy.
Find Relief and Move More Comfortably During Pregnancy
Round ligament pain may be common, but you don’t have to live with ongoing discomfort. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support a more comfortable pregnancy. Schedule an appointment today to see how gentle pregnancy-specific chiropractic care can support you.