Rib cage pain during pegnancy is one of the rather unpleasant side effects of this otherwise wonderful time in a woman’s life.
As if we’re not struggling enough with the growing bump and constant tiredness!
Pregnant women may feel rib cage pain in various different ways.
For instance, it could be a burning sensation, a stabbing pain which comes and goes, or it could be constant for a period of time.
If you are at all concerned about any type of rib pain you’re experiencing during your pregnancy, you should have a quick chat with your midwife or doctor, who will be able to put your mind at rest.
Despite that, there are some very simple explanations as to why your pregnancy is causing pain in your rib cage, and none of them are at all serious.
Of course, that doesn’t make the pain any less difficult to bear, but at least you have an at peace mind!
What is Pregnancy Rib Cage Pain And What Causes it?
As the name suggests, rib cage pain is a pain which occurs in and around the ribs during pregnancy, usually into the third trimester as the baby grows larger.
This doesn’t mean you can’t experience rib cage pain in earlier trimesters however, as it is a completely personal deal for each woman.
This pain can feel like a slight pain which is just a little uncomfortable, working up to a pain which can be quite unbearable. If this is the case, you need to seek help to avoid this amount of discomfort.
The reason for it all? You can blame your baby for this one.
As your baby grows, the uterus expands and it causes pressure around the ribs.
As your baby starts to move more, e.g. kicking and generally wriggling around, this pressure grows, and as a result the pain also grows.
The top of the uterus is called the fundus, and as you move into your third trimester, the top of the fundus is actually situated a very short distance below the breastbone, thus reaching your ribs.
Another reason is the possibility for your baby to be in the breech position, e.g. head upwards rather than downwards.
In this case, his or her head is situated right underneath your ribs, and causing pressure in that way.
You’ll be able to tell which side your baby is facing towards in this case, as that is where the pain will be.
Rib cage pain during pregnancy is normally worse in certain positions, e.g. sitting down, or moving forwards, or leaning.
You’ll probably find that as your baby starts to get into position to be delivered (around 36 weeks onwards), the pain actually lessens or even disappears.
This is because there is less pressure in the upwards direction, and everything starts to focus downwards.
How to Relieve Pain in the Ribs During Pregnancy
Again, if you’re worried simply have a chat with your midwife or doctor, but be reassured that certainly by the time your baby is born, you should be free of this pain and discomfort.
There is nothing you can do to stop your uterus from growing, as that’s pretty much the deal with pregnancy, but you can do a few things to reduce the pain and discomfort you’re in.
Remember that painkillers are not recommended in pregnancy.
But if you are in desperate need of some relief then speak to your midwife or doctor.
They may be able to advise you about possibly taking a small amount of Paracetamol. However, do not do this without their say so.
Here are a few self-help tips for reducing rib pain during pregnancy.
- Wear clothes that are loose-fitting. If your bra is pressing where the pain is, simply take it off for a short while, until you find relief, or find a bra which doesn’t press on that specific area
- When you are laid in bed or lying down, prop up some cushions beneath the side you’re experiencing the pain, for extra support
- Try your best to change your posture and avoid hunching over or leaning forward too much; sit up straight as much as you can and don’t slouch
- Move around as much as you can and don’t sit in the same position for too long. If you’re sitting and watching TV or a movie, get up and have a walk around the room or a stretch every so often
- Try heat packs on the affected area. It could be that cold works best for you and in that case, use cold compresses instead. You could also try angling the shower to hit the area which is causing the most pain, and concentrate warm water there
- Go for a swim. This is a gentle way of stretching, with the water as a buoyancy support
A good exercise for stretching is to stand up and face the wall and move your arms upwards to cross over at ear height, i.e. in front of your face.
Move forward to touch the wall with your arms and then slide them upwards as far as you can.
Hold it as long as you can and then release.
When you do this, the rib cage and uterus are moved away from each other and this could be enough to give you a little pain relief.
It Will All Go Away After Delivery
The good news is that after your baby is born, the rib cage pain will disappear.
Of course, that’s not much comfort to you right now
But it does help you realize that there is nothing particularly wrong, and that it is just an anatomical reason for the pain, i.e. things are stretching and growing.
Moving around and using gentle stretching exercises are the best way to find relief
If you are struggling with intense pain, however, be it burning, stabbing or a constant pain, then do talk to your midwife or doctor for extra advice and guidance.