Abdominal achiness or pain is among the most common pregnancy symptoms. It is not uncommon to feel sharp pains on the sides of the abdomen with the growth of the fetus.

Causes of abdominal achiness and pains

One cause for abdominal achiness and pains is due to the stretching of your round ligaments, which are located on both sides of the abdomen and run from the top of the abdomen to the groin area, which occurs during pregnancy. As the embryo grows within the uterus, the stomach gets larger and larger and the thick bands of connective tissue stretch in order to accommodate the new size. It is this stretching of the ligaments that often causes some aches and pains.

Another cause for abdominal achiness and pains may be due to the increased blood flow that is now necessary in order to support your growing baby.

Yet another cause may be due to the fact that throughout your pregnancy there is a build-up of your endometrium in your uterus. While your endometrium shed during menstruation, now that you are pregnant and no longer menstruating you are no longer shedding your endometrium.

Important facts about abdominal achiness and pains

Sudden changes in body position are enough to trigger round ligament/abdominal pain. Getting up quickly, lying down, or even a sharp cough can cause new stretching of the ligaments that can be painful. These pains often last only a few brief moments, but it is not uncommon for the soreness to linger for a few hours. If the pains are associated with spotting, cramping, change in body temperature or fever, it is important to seek out medical attention.

How do you treat round ligament pain?

Abdominal achiness is something that comes with pregnancy, but that does not mean you have to sit around in pain for its duration. Sitting down with your feet propped up is one of the best solutions for round ligament/abdominal achiness and pain. If resting does not relieve the pain or the achiness turns into sharper pain, contact your attending physician for more advice.