Round ligament pain is a common discomfort in the last half of pregnancy. It is most often felt on one side of the lower abdomen. Some women will experience it as a dull aching sensation, others a sharp stabbing pain. It’s caused by the hormones of pregnancy which soften and stretch ligaments, in conjunction with the mechanical force of the growing weight of the uterus. The round ligaments provide lateral stability to the uterus, to help the organ stay in good alignment.

The good news is that you don’t need to suffer through the pain. You can stop round ligament pain instantaneously by performing the "hip hiker" exercise.

Hip Hiker Exercise:

· Stand next to a countertop or wall with your painful side facing outward. Place one hand on the countertop or wall for balance.

· Lift your foot of the painful side off the floor a little bit.

· Lift your hip bone on the painful side straight upward. Hold for 30 seconds. Keep the rest of your body erect, just move your pelvis.

· Slowly release your pelvis and place your foot back down.

· Stand equally on two feet for a moment or two.

If you’re prone to round ligament pain, perform this simple exercise several times a day.

Round ligament pain is one of the many common discomforts of the last half of pregnancy. Fortunately it’s one of the easiest to manage.

Authored by pre and post natal exercise specialist and founder of BeFit-Mom, Helene Byrne. For more information on exercise during pregnancy, visit her web site at www.befitmom.com