Is it normal for your ribs to hurt while pregnant

Read our cookies policy to find out more about our cookies and how we use them. Sore ribs in pregnancy. Causes of rib pain in pregnancy During pregnancy some changes happen to your body that can make rib pain more likely.

Breasts getting bigger This extra weight can cause rib pain. Hormonal changes The hormones of pregnancy cause your ligaments to relax and soften. Baby getting bigger As your baby grows and takes up extra space inside you, they may put pressure on your chest wall and ribs. Heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion Heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion can give you rib pain during pregnancy. Urinary tract infection Rib pain, particularly in your lower ribs at the front or the back, can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have any of the following:. Preventing rib pain in pregnancy Be mindful of your posture - sitting up straight with your head up and shoulders back reduces your risk of rib pain. Learn more about constipation in pregnancy here. Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, which doctors consider to be a variant of preeclampsia, are two complications that can occur during pregnancy and cause pain under the ribs.

People experience liver pain in many different ways. Some experience it as shoulder pain, while others feel pain near the bra line, or have serious heartburn that does not respond to antacids. Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are dangerous pregnancy complications that can be life-threatening for both the woman and baby.

These issues need prompt medical attention. If a woman has preeclampsia, a doctor may recommend early delivery if the benefits outweigh the risks. If symptoms such as high blood pressure do not go away, the woman may need to take blood pressure medications after the birth.

A doctor will often carry out a physical examination to help them diagnose the cause of rib pain. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, the doctor is likely to monitor the fetus for a short while to make sure that their heart rate is consistent. If a doctor suspects a UTI or another infection or condition, they may request a urine sample. If they are still not sure what is causing the pain, they may order a blood test. Some rib pain may be an unavoidable consequence of the baby pressing against or kicking the ribs.

Gentle exercise can also often combat pregnancy-related pains. The treatment for rib pain depends on the cause. For example, women with a UTI can take antibiotics to treat the infection. If gallstones are the issue, a woman may need surgery to remove them after delivery. Like many aches and pains during pregnancy, rib pain is normal and usually not a cause for concern. If the pain occurs alongside other symptoms, such as fever, high blood pressure, or spots before the eyes, a woman should see her doctor as soon as possible.

Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy when a woman's blood pressure rises sharply. Gentle adjustments can increase mobility, decrease muscle tension in between the ribs, and decrease inflammation. Additional recommendations include stretches, icing or heating, and postural modifications and exercises.

Other complementary modalities for treatment include massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and KT Taping. You might want to get yourself a pregnancy pillow as well. Women are raving about this one here which is helping them with their rib pain. After sitting at your desk or in a car for extended periods of time, the body often begins to slouch, causing even more compression and strain to the ribcage.

Jaffe recommends focusing on better posture, taking frequent breaks to move and stretch every 45 minutes , and using a standing desk or an exercise ball as a chair at work. Here are four exercises to combat rib pain. Sit in a chair. Place your left arm on your desk, the left armrest, or rest it on your belly. Reach your right arm long overhead and inhale.

On the exhale, reach further and bend to the left, gently stretching your right side. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform this two times on each side. Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop pose. Gently slide the right hand through the opening between the left hand and left knee.

Continue to slide the arm all the way out to the left until your right shoulder and the right side of your headrest comfortably on the floor. In This Article. View Sources. Mayo Clinic, Preeclampsia , March Your Health. Pregnancy Groups. Second Trimester. Third Trimester. Jump to Your Week of Pregnancy.