Pain in Pelvic Area
by Nancy Sullivan, CNM, MS, FACNM

Q. I'm in my late second trimester and at night, I experience horrible pains in my pelvic area whenever I turn over from left to right or try to get up out of bed. These pains seem to be even worse if my bladder is full. My doctor says they're round ligament pains. What are they and what can I do?

A. Round ligaments are the ligaments that support the uterus, and they get stretched (like a rubber band) during pregnancy. This stretching is worse when you move or bend, and less when you lie still, particularly on your side with your legs curled up. Try moving slowly, taking a warm bath, or using a heating pad. Knowing that this pain may be severe but is not serious or problematic for you or the baby may help, too.

There are exercises that are helpful during pregnancy; check childbirth educators and hospitals in your town for options. Consider exercising with a birthing ball. for more information about these, check the birthing ball page on my website.