Day 87 of 280, first trimester
You are 12 weeks and 3 days
As your uterus grows to make room for your baby, you may notice a few twinges around your pelvis.
193 days until your due date
A strong band of connective tissue called the round ligament supports your uterus and has to stretch as it grows, which can be uncomfortable. The pain is usually felt in the groin or lower abdomen, on either side, and may travel up to the hips. It can be a short, sharp stabbing pain or a longer dull ache.
You'll soon find sitting and lying positions that cause the least discomfort. Other common remedies, such as a warm bath or resting with your feet up, can help too.
Round ligament pain is common and not a cause for concern. But see your doctor if sharp abdominal or pelvic pain doesn't go away quickly, the pain becomes crampy, there's any bleeding, it burns when you urinate, or you have a fever. If in doubt, always get medical advice.
Explainer
Why round ligament pain happens
The round ligaments run from the uterus down past the bladder toward the pubic bone. As the uterus grows, they stretch and pull on nearby nerve fibers and sensitive structures, causing discomfort.
Focus on
Twins: Carrying twins
Most twin and multiple pregnancies are straightforward, but carrying more than one baby is more challenging for your body. Certain conditions are slightly more likely:
- Placenta previa (a low-lying placenta)
- Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
- Poor growth of one or more babies, which may be caused by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
- Premature labor
That's why you'll have more prenatal checkups, to catch problems early and minimize their effects.
As a matter of fact
Fertility treatment and multiples
Fertility treatment has had a huge impact on the number of multiple pregnancies.
In 1977, the year before the first "test-tube baby" was born, the natural rate in US live births was 1 in 53 for twins and 1 in 3,092 for triplets and more. Today, with fertility treatments more widely used, triplets and higher multiples occur in 1 in 618 births.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Booking appointmentUsually between 8 and 12 weeks
- Dating scanBetween 11 and 14 weeks
Read the full 12 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.