Pain in the uterine ligaments
introduction
The uterine ligaments stabilize the uterus and hold it in place. They pull from the uterus both forwards and to the side of the pelvic wall. During pregnancy, the round mother band (Ligamentum teres uteri) and the broad mother band (Ligamentum latum uteri) to the typical pain.
The reason for this is that they are exposed to enormous stretching, especially during pregnancy. This stretching alone can trigger a painful stimulus in the mother ligaments. The pain is then felt either in the groin area or in the sacrum area. Other possible causes can be excessive stress or incorrect movement.
causes
Pain in the uterine ligaments occurs during pregnancy, but similar pains can also occur in the absence of pregnancy.
Causes during pregnancy
In the course of pregnancy, as the child grows, more and more stretching occurs on the mother's ligaments. Since the mother ligaments are made of a tight, rather non-stretchable material, the stretching triggers a painful stimulus. The stretch can be painful, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. At this point the uterus is already of a considerable size, so that the uterine ligaments then experience the greatest stress.
In the last trimester of pregnancy, the ligaments become softer in preparation for the upcoming birth. A pain stimulus can be triggered by the growth of the uterus alone. Growth spurts of the child or child movements that exert further stretching on the mother's ligaments have a reinforcing effect.
External factors, such as extreme stress on the mother, for example when standing or walking for long periods of time, can also be a cause. It is also known that making quick, awkward movements can cause the pain.
Read more on the topic: The course of a pregnancy
Causes of non-existing pregnancy
If there is no pregnancy, pain in the mother's ligaments is very unlikely. There is no stretching stimulus on them and therefore no pain can be triggered.
Much more often, the cause of pain in this part of the body lies elsewhere. For example, pain experienced as part of the menstrual cycle can be very similar to pain in the uterine ligaments during pregnancy. This can easily lead to confusion. If menstrual pain can be ruled out, there are a number of other causes that should definitely be clarified by a doctor. These include, among other things
- appendicitis
- diverticulitis
- a cyst on the ovaries or
- an ectopic pregnancy
You can find out more about the topic here: Abdominal pain
Therapy of pain
The first step is to treat the pain in the uterine ligaments by avoiding triggering factors such as certain movements and excessive loads. Then regular relaxation breaks can also help relieve the pain. Furthermore, especially with pain in the sacrum, care should be taken to maintain correct posture. You assume good posture if you pull your sacrum down a little while at the same time pulling your head up. This small movement avoids a hollow back and thus relieves the back at the same time.
A support belt, which is particularly used in the last trimester of pregnancy, can also provide further relief. Since many medications cannot be taken during pregnancy, local applications in particular play a role in therapy. Heat applications in particular show positive effects. Either through a hot water bottle or a warm bath. You should make sure that the intensity of the heat is not too high, as this can have effects on the circulation.
Massaging the groin area can also help relieve some of the tension in the mother ligaments. You can also massage with a combination of olive and lavender oil. Finally, the intake of Schüssler salts can be considered as a therapy option. This should only be done if you have experience with the salts. If you are unsure, you should always ask your gynecologist for advice beforehand.
Read more on the topic: Painkillers in pregnancy
diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on the typical symptoms and after clarifying the cause. However, the doctor must rule out dangerous differential diagnoses and will therefore ask about warning symptoms and probably perform a pelvic examination. If a differentiation between pain in the uterine ligaments and labor cannot be made clinically with certainty, a CTG can be derived.
Since the stretching of the mother ligaments can also lead to a tear, an ultrasound should be performed if there is justified suspicion. With the ultrasound one can try to show the band structures, which is not always possible.
You can find more information on the topic here: Pain during pregnancy
How does that feel?
The pain experienced during pregnancy is caused by the stretching of the mother's ligaments.
This stretching pain is experienced by women as pulling to stabbing, sometimes also as cramping. Some women report feeling like they have sore muscles or a strain. The quality and intensity of the pain can vary from person to person.
Read more on the topic: Pulling the mother ligaments
Localization of the pain
The round maternal ligament runs through the inguinal canal to the side of the uterus and into the anterior labia. When this ligament is stretched, the pain is felt on both sides in the groin area or in the lower abdomen.
The broad maternal ligament connects the uterus with the side wall of the small pelvis. Due to the many connections to other ligaments in the pelvis, the stretching pain is passed on and can also be perceived in the groin area or in the area of the sacrum.
Concomitant symptoms
The typical symptoms are pain in the lower abdominal area on the right or left, which can radiate into the groin, and pain in the sacrum. Normally, other accompanying symptoms are not directly associated with the stretching of the ligaments, but rather with the pregnancy itself.
At the beginning of pregnancy, increased tiredness, malaise and listlessness can occur at the same time. A little later, around the seventh week of pregnancy, there may also be an increased need to urinate. Other possible accompanying symptoms are nausea or headache.
You can find more information on the topic here: Pain during pregnancy
How long does the pain last?
Pain in the uterine ligaments can be felt during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the influence of the hormones causes the ligaments to loosen for the impending birth. In this context, the pain can decrease.
The first pulling of the mother's ligaments can be felt around the 5th week of pregnancy. So it can be a first sign of pregnancy, but it can also be mistaken for menstrual pain. Later, between the 17th and 24th week of pregnancy, the pain intensifies as the uterus grows. All in all, the pain in the uterine ligaments can last for a long time. But this is very different from individual to individual.
Read more on the topic: 2nd trimester
How can I tell the difference between the pain in the uterine ligaments and labor?
Pain in the uterine ligaments can be distinguished from contractions on the basis of their temporal occurrence. Labor usually occurs towards the end of pregnancy, while pain in the uterine ligaments begins earlier. The first contractions appear weeks before the birth. Due to the influence of the hormones, the uterine ligaments are already softer during this time and the pain symptoms are suspended.
Furthermore, the pain in the uterine ligaments presents itself as pulling or stabbing pain that persists over a longer period of time. During labor, the intensity of the pain initially increases due to the contraction of the uterus and then subsides again after a short time. If there is still uncertainty about whether or not a contraction is present, a CTG (cardiotocogram) can provide further information.
Read more on the topic: Labor pains
