A sharp, shooting pain low in your belly or groin is frightening. Most of the time it is round ligament pain - completely harmless. But since the same general area can also produce signs of preterm labour, it is worth knowing exactly how to tell them apart.
What Is Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments are two thick fibrous cords that run from your uterus through the groin and into the labia. As the uterus grows and changes position, these ligaments stretch and can go into sudden spasm. The result is a sharp, stabbing pain usually on one side (often the right) that happens suddenly with movement - typically when you stand up, roll over, cough, or sneeze. It lasts seconds and then fades.
| Feature | Round Ligament Pain | Preterm Labour (before 37 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Seconds | Minutes, rhythmic, regular |
| Pattern | Random, triggered by movement | Regular intervals, getting closer |
| Location | Low, one side, groin | Wraps around from back to front |
| Other symptoms | None | Pelvic pressure, discharge change, backache |
| Relief | Rest, change position | Does not settle with position change |
Signs of Preterm Labour
If you are under 37 weeks and notice any of these, call your doctor or go to hospital:
- Contractions that come every 10 minutes or more frequently
- A dull, low backache that comes and goes
- Pelvic pressure - a feeling that the baby is pushing down
- Cramps similar to period pain
- Change in vaginal discharge - more watery, mucus-like, or bloody
- Your waters breaking (any amount)
When in doubt, call
If you are unsure whether what you are feeling is round ligament pain or something more serious, always call your midwife or doctor. It is never an inconvenience to check.