Uterine ligaments, ligamenta uteri
Depending on the source, so-called mother ligaments are either all ligaments that stabilize the uterus or only those that cause painful discomfort when the ligaments are stretched, e.g. as a result of pregnancy.
Read more on this topic: Pulling the mother ligaments
These are the round mother band (Ligamentum teres uteri) and the broad mother band (Ligamentum latum uteri). The uterine ligaments hold the uterus (uterus) in an upright position in every body position.
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Mother bands
Uterine ligaments, Uterine ligament
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The round mother band (Ligamentum teres uteri) belongs to the so-called, along with many other ligaments that stabilize the uterus Parametries (Pelvic connective tissue, which surrounds the uterus on all sides and on the pelvic wall and bladder attached). The round maternal ligament pulls on both sides from an angle between the uterus and the Ovaries (Tube angle) through the Inguinal canal (Canalis inguinalis) and finally the big ones labia minora (Labia majora pudenda). The tape is in its course of a artery (Vessel that pumps oxygen-rich blood into the body). This artery is called Arteria ligamenti teretis uteri.
The wide mother band (Ligamentum latum uteri) is part of the Parametries. It consists of firm connective tissue, more precisely from a doubling (Duplication) of Peritoneum (peritoneum). The tape covers the back of the uterus and connects it to the lateral pelvic wall. The broad mother band can be divided into three sections: the Mesometrium, which connects the uterus with the pelvic wall, into the Mesosalpinxwhich the Fallopian tubes (Uterine tubes) connects to the pelvic wall and into the Mesovariumwhich the Ovaries connects to the pool wall. They are within the broad mother band Ovaries embedded in the Ovarian ligament (Ligamentum ovarii proprium). The vessel supplying blood to the ovary (Ovarian artery) can be found within the so-called Ligamentum suspensorium ovarii detect. In addition, the vessel that supplies the uterus with blood is located within the so-called Cardinal ligament (Mackenroth band) on the lower edge of the broad mother band (Uterine artery).
$config[ads_text3] not foundThe pelvic connective tissues surrounding the uterus (Parametries) consist of one in addition to the above-mentioned structures Connecting tape between Uterus and urinary bladder (Vesicouterinum ligament) and a ligament of connective tissue between the Sacrum (Sacrum) and the uterus (Sacrouterine ligament).
Mostly too Beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy the uterine ligaments have to expand increasingly with the growing uterus. Thus, tensile forces act on the mother ligaments, which are stretched. Stretching pain in the form of a drawing, stabbing pain are the result. These are on both sides in the lower abdomen localized towards the groin. Since there are also numerous ligament connections in the small pelvis, some pregnant women also have pain in the lower back area up to the sacrum.
These pains are completely harmless and can often be combined with rest in a relaxed position (e.g. lying on your back), or in conjunction relieved with warmth become. If the pain becomes very severe or if there are additional symptoms such as vomiting or fever, a doctor should be consulted immediately to rule out any dangerous Pregnancy complications to exclude.
The uterine ligaments are mainly stretched by the growing uterus. As the embryo grows, the uterus must also expand. Therefore, the mother ligaments usually start to hurt in the second month of pregnancy. This is the time when the embryo and uterus can grow rapidly for the first time. However, there are individual differences as to whether, when and for how long the maternal ligaments are painful or noticeable.
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Read more on the subject: Pain in the mother ligaments
Since pregnancy is often accompanied by pain in the mother's ligaments, this can in principle be an indication of pregnancy. However, the pain usually only starts a few weeks after the start of pregnancy. Often, other things indicate a pregnancy earlier. This includes, for example, the absence of menstrual bleeding. In the hope of being pregnant, one should not confuse pain in the uterine ligaments with various diseases such as appendicitis.
The appearance of pain in pregnancy, the cause of which starts from the mother ligaments, can be very individual.Basically, it cannot be ruled out that a few weeks after fertilization an unpleasant pulling occurs on both sides, the cause of which lies in the mother ligaments. However, this pain is more likely to be caused by general changes in the uterus and surrounding tissues. A typical pain symptom in pregnant women often only occurs from the 5th week of pregnancy. Initially, affected women often expect a period if they do not yet know that they are pregnant. Characteristic are often listlessness, tiredness and general malaise. In addition, there is a painful pulling sensation, sometimes also described as an unpleasant stinging sensation, which often emanates from the mother ligaments. Many women know from these signs, combined with a missed menstrual period, that they are pregnant.
Read more on the subject at: Signs of pregnancy
About 2 weeks later, i.e. from the 7th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers often experience renewed tightening of the ligaments, this time combined with urination, fatigue and insomnia, caused by a hormonal change (due to the hormone progesterone).
By increasing the tensile forces acting on the mother ligaments, the stretching pain increases. This is to be expected more intensely between the 17th and 24th week of pregnancy, because as the uterus grows, the tensile force of the uterine ligaments increases increasingly, which can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of pressure on the lower abdomen in the direction of the groin. Pregnant women notice this type of pain when standing up or coughing and sneezing, as these activities can exert varying degrees of tension on the uterine ligaments.
Due to the course of the ligaments in the pelvis, the pulling pain can radiate into the labia and sacrum. Towards the end of pregnancy, in the third trimester, the uterine ligaments loosen up due to hormonal changes, so that the stretching pain can decrease. This loosening of the ligament structures is already used in preparation for the birth, so that the child can get into the birth canal without damaging all structures in the mother's pelvis.
Due to the attachment of the uterus to many connective tissue structures and ligaments as well as the connection to all sides of the pelvic wall and the other organs of the small pelvis, it goes without saying that if the uterus is stretched during the pregnancy stretching tensile forces can arise on the mother ligaments, which can then be quite painful. It can also get through Movements of the mother (e.g. through sport, through rapid everyday movements or simple changes of position in bed) lead to stretching of the uterine ligaments and thus to pain in the abdomen / pelvis. Also Child movements contribute to sore mother ligaments.
The pain is mostly called pulling, stabbing or as convulsive described. A feeling of sore muscles or a strain is also possible. Usually these are in right and left lower abdomen as well as localized in the groin region, but can also be caused by the connection of the uterus with many anatomical structures Lower back pain as well as in Sacrum and in the labia minora to lead.
In most cases, this pain of the uterine ligaments does not appear until the 2nd trimester of pregnancy (2nd trimester), since the weight of the unborn child is sufficient from this period to push the uterus downwards.
The pain in stretching the mother ligaments is complete Naturally (physiological) and safe for both mother and child. However, if the pain becomes very severe or worsens, as well as accompanying fever, vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as diseases (such as a Loosening of the pubic symphysis (Symphysis loosening), Appendicitis (appendicitis), Kidney stones, Plaster cake detachment (Placental detachment)) or premature Labor pains could be behind it.
There are a number of ways to relieve the pain caused by the strained ligaments. Usually it is enough to take a short rest and relax. This works particularly well with a warm bath or a massage. Magnesium may have a prophylactic effect against tension. Particular caution should be exercised when taking pain reliever medication. Drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can damage the embryo, especially at the end of a pregnancy.
As band structures, the mother bands consist primarily of Connective tissue and smooth muscles. These tissues are able to to stretch several incheswithout tearing. The decisive factor here, however, is the time factor; if the mother ligaments were suddenly stretched by several centimeters, they would not be able to withstand the tensile forces.
Will the mother ligaments like during pregnancy through the growing uterus stretched several inches over the course of weeks and months, so they can withstand the tension without any problems. However, if the uterine ligaments are strongly stretched, e.g. during a growth spurt of the child in the abdomen, then Stretching pain result. These are described as pulling and stabbing and are harmless, even if some of them are very uncomfortable.
A tear in the mother ligament or a strain is usually associated with very severe pain in the groin, abdomen or flank area. The doctor can provide an exact diagnosis Palpation (Touch) and Ultrasound in pregnancy to meet. Remote diagnosis is seldom possible, as the pain sensation can vary greatly from person to person. If, as an affected pregnant woman, you experience very severe pain in this area, you should consult a doctor. This is expected bed rest prescribe in order to protect the mother ligaments as best as possible, so that an improvement occurs soon.
You might also be interested in this topic: Abdominal pain in pregnancy
The treatment of painful mother ligaments is aimed primarily at one discharge the mother ligaments as well as additional Relaxation from.
The pain often occurs during physical exertion (long periods of standing / running / sports), so the painful movements avoided and take a relaxed posture.
The pregnant woman should be relieved lie downbecause so the uterus (uterus) by the weight of the child, the amniotic fluid and the mother cake (placenta) is not pushed down.
Relaxation measures such as warm baths or hanging up one Hot water bottle.
Likewise can Massages with fragrant massage oils (rosewood, lavender, chamomile) help to relax the painful mother ligaments.
If the pain does not go away through relief and relaxation, or if everyday life is impaired by the pulling mother ligaments, then wearing a Waist belt should be considered. This is adjustable in size, is placed under the abdomen and can help relieve pain (also in the back) through relief and improved weight distribution as well as a slight lifting of the uterus.
The stretching pain described at the beginning can pull into the sacrum. In the course of pregnancy, various hormone parameters change, which also cause the mother ligaments to loosen. Because of this, there may be pain in the loin and back area. As a rule, however, the back pain is not the first pain, but the one described first stabbing and dull pains in the groin and pubic region after they can often wander into the back during the course of pregnancy due to the high tensile load. However, to ensure where the cause is, it is always important to see a doctor who uses imaging tests to initiate appropriate treatment. Towards the end of pregnancy can they Pain subsides, as the ligament structures loosen in preparation for the birth process.
In general, it can be very common too unspecific back pain in pregnancy come, mostly from a Poor posture in pregnant women result from the weight of the child. In this respect, it is difficult to determine whether the cause is the stretching of the uterine ligaments or a poor posture and overload due to the weight of the child.
In both cases they are However, pain is usually harmless and disappear again after the birth. However, if the pain becomes increasingly severe or symptoms such as muscle weakness or failure occur Tingling or numbness in the legs on so should a Consulted a doctor as a herniated disc, for example, can be the cause here.
