Pregnant women often encounter different types of pain. Pregnancy can cause changes in your body that might feel painful and uncomfortable. During pregnancy, you might experience headaches, rib pain, backache, brain fog, constipation, increased vaginal discharge, tension, and more. Pain and discomfort are common during pregnancy, especially in the last months. Pregnancy hormones, the growing belly, and weight gain cause various types of pain and discomfort.
The third trimester or 28 weeks is considered most painful during pregnancy. Rib pain, backache, and headaches are normal during pregnancy but if you notice there are other symptoms along with these aches, seek medical help soon. Also, if you are experiencing severe pain and discomfort, do not hesitate to visit the gynecologist.
Is Rib Pain During Pregnancy Normal?
Rib pain during pregnancy is normal, especially in the third trimester. It is common and usually is not a concern. The pain may be caused by the growth of the baby, as the uterus expands, which puts pressure on the surrounding organs and structures. This kind of pressure can result in pain and discomfort.
Most of the time, women experience rib pain during the last months or trimester of pregnancy but the pain can start in the early stages, too. Some might panic while experiencing rib pain and other discomforts during pregnancy, thinking that it is due to some serious complications. However, they are common and normal during pregnancy and are only a concern when you have severe pain and other symptoms. If you cannot stand the pain, seek medical help.
What Causes Rib Pain During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, rib pain can be caused by various factors, such as;
- The growth of the baby causes aches and pains around the ribs due to the position in the womb. As the fetus grows, it might press against the ribs, which causes muscle aches.
- The position of the fetus can cause rib pain due to the changing positions. The fetus might turn upside down and the head is facing down and feet pointing towards the ribs. This can cause pressure on the ribs.
- The baby’s movement in the womb can cause rib pain and other pains. Their movements, the arm and leg movements, especially kicks, cause pain in the ribs.
- Heartburn in the first trimester. During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which can cause heartburn. Relaxin causes pain in different areas of the pain, including ribs and pelvis. Heartburns are common in the first trimester and can last throughout the pregnancy.
- Various medical complications can cause rib pain. Conditions like round ligament pain, gallstones, and urinary tract infections can cause rib pain and other discomforts.
- Constipation during pregnancy is another cause of rib pain. Constipation causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. During pregnancy, constipation-related discomfort causes pain in the upper abdomen, under the ribs.
How To Deal With Rib Pain During Pregnancy?
Let us look at the home remedies and techniques to relieve rib pain during pregnancy.
- Regular, gentle exercises can help relieve rib pain. Try stretching gently and the exercise ball is the best for this.
- Use a heating pain on the area where there is pain. Heating pads are an easy and safe way to relieve rib pain but ensure the pad is not too warm.
- Practice yoga, as it is an effective way to relieve pain by stretching out the muscles and joints.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Tight or restrictive clothes can make rib pain worse.
- Belly-support bands can help redistribute weight around the belly. Belly-support bands are commonly used to treat round ligament pain, and they help reduce pressure off the straining abdomen, which causes rib pain and other pains.
- Alternative sleep positions. Also, pillows can help support the ribs and abdomen to relieve rib pain.
- Apply topical anti-inflammatory gels.
- Only take painkillers after talking with your doctor.
When Is It Concerning?
Rib pain during pregnancy is common and in most cases it is harmless. However, rib pain can be concerning if you notice the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Headache and dizziness
- Tummy ache or bleeding in the vagina
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Spots before the eyes
- Pain under the ribs on the right side in the third trimester. This could indicate a liver problem
- Gallbladder symptoms
Seek medical help if you experience severe pain or discomfort. Even though rib pain is common during pregnancy, if you notice other symptoms along with it, visit the gynecologist immediately.
Preventing Rib Pain During Pregnancy
Staying active and regular exercise can help prevent rib pain during pregnancy. Be mindful of your posture, sit up straight with your head up and shoulders back. This can help reduce rib pain and backache. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing and a properly fitted bra. Practice yoga and gentle stretching.
This not only helps alleviate rib pain but can also help improve posture, flexibility, and strength. Try deep breathing exercises during the day and before bedtime. Use pillows to support your ribs during the night. Also, alternative sleep positions can help you be more comfortable and pain-free.
Rib Pain In Each Trimester
Most women do not experience rib pain in the early stages of pregnancy. Rib pain is common during the third trimester. However, some might have rib pain in the early stages itself. In the first trimester, one may experience rib pain because of the changes in the body. The body expands during pregnancy and the uterus stretches as the fetus grows.
This can cause rib pain and other discomfort. In the second trimester, as the fetus continues to grow, some experience rib pain and shortness of breath. This is because the uterus pushes up against the diaphragm and compresses the lungs. In the third trimester, having rib pain is common as the uterus expands, putting pressure on the ribs. Also, the fetus starts moving and kicking the ribs, which can result in pain.
Conclusion
Pregnancy causes changes in your body that result in pain and discomfort. Experiencing headaches, rib pain, backache, brain fog, constipation, increased vaginal discharge, and tension is common during pregnancy. Also, rib pain during pregnancy is normal and mostly harmless. However, if you experience severe pain and discomfort, accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Most experience rib pain during the trimester but some experience pain in the early stages itself. Rib pain may not be a concern and might be caused by various factors like the growth of the fetus, the position of the fetus, the movement of the baby, heartburn, constipation, or other medical complications. It can be concerning when the rib pain is caused by an underlying health complication.
You can deal with rib pain by exercising regularly, practicing yoga, wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothes, using a belly-support band, applying topical creams, and following alternative sleeping patterns. Ensure you only take painkillers or other medications after consulting with the gynecologist. You can prevent rib pain during pregnancy by staying active and regular exercise. Rib pain is a matter of concern if it is accompanied by symptoms like fever, headaches, high blood pressure, severe pain, spots before the eyes, or shortness of breath.
Frequently Asked Questions or FAQS
Regular, gentle exercises, alternative sleeping positions, using a heating pad, yoga, and belly support bands can help relieve rib pain during pregnancy.
Rib pain during pregnancy can be mild to moderate. It can feel like a dull or sharp ache in the upper part of the body above the belly.
You should be concerned about the rib pain if the pain and discomfort are severe or are accompanied by other symptoms.
Rib pain is common and normal during pregnancy. Some rib pain goes away on their own but some might experience pain throughout the pregnancy. Usually, rib pain goes away after the delivery.
Even though rib pain is common, experiencing severe pain and discomfort is not normal. Seek medical help quickly, as it may indicate an underlying health condition.
Heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, fever, high blood pressure, and spots before the eyes are some of the symptoms seen along with rib pain during pregnancy.
