What Is the Function of the Round Ligaments?

The round ligaments look like two thin but strong ropes in front of the lower abdomen, according to Anatomy Notes. Often associated with pregnancy belly pain, many women wonder what this connective tissue actually does.

Location

• The round ligament starts at the top of the uterus and runs down the front of the abdomen. It then goes through the inguinal canal near the bikini line. Eventually, this tissue becomes part of the labia majora's connective tissue.

Early Function

• During early fetal development, the round ligament begins as the gubernaculum. Males and females both have a gubernaculum. In males, it helps situate the testes in the upper abdomen. In females the gubernaculum, soon to be round ligament, guides the ovaries into the correct abdominal location, states Anatomy Notes.

Later Function

• The round ligament holds the uterus over the bladder, tipped forward or anterior. It also connects the uterus to the abdominal wall, according to Anatomy Notes. This holds the uterus in place and gives pregnant women some extra abdominal support during pregnancy.

Possible Problems

• Some women have taut, tense round ligaments. During pregnancy, this restricts blood flow to the uterus, according to Dr. Karen Bagnell on Today's Chiropractic. Some chiropractors can adjust the body to relieve that tension and relax the round ligaments. Also, when the belly expands during pregnancy, some women experience round ligament pain stemming from the stretching connective tissue.

Treatment

• The job of supporting the growing uterus during pregnancy sometimes creates round ligament pain. To alleviate that pain, soaking in a warm bath, or use a heating pad on low heat sometimes works. Also, a belly support band often relieves round ligament pain, according to Victoria Women's Clinic.