Rib Pain During Pregnancy: 4 Common Causes And Tips For Relief

Are you experiencing rib pain during pregnancy? If yes, then let us tell you that you are not alone, as many pregnant women experience this symptom, especially during the third trimester, when your baby’s growth is at an exponential rate. 

Rib pain can also start pretty early during your pregnancy as a result of your muscles and stretching due to hormonal changes. Nevertheless, this symptom can leave you with an achy side and discomfort while changing positions. The good news is that this pain can be soothed with a few relief measures and can also be prevented.

Keep reading to know exactly what causes rib pain during pregnancy and how to ease aches.

What Causes Rib Pain During Pregnancy?

You may start experiencing rib pain during your second and/or third trimester, especially near the end, when your belly and your entire body stretch to accommodate your growing baby. There are a few more causes of rib pain during pregnancy including

• Fluctuating hormones: The pregnancy hormone, relaxin, which is responsible for loosening your joints can sometimes cause your ribs to stretch. This in turn causes pain in your ribs and occasional discomfort.
• Inflammation: The cartilage attached to your ribs loosen and expands during pregnancy, causing inflammation in the area and pain.
• Increased pressure from your uterus: As your uterus continues to expand and your breasts keep getting bigger, your rib cage may quite literally feel added pressure and pain.
• Baby kicks: Occasionally, your little one may throw punches at your rib cage to make a little more space for themselves. You may feel their kicks in your ribs and experience discomfort while changing your position. 

How Does Rib Pain Change With Each Trimester?

• First trimester: As rib pain is caused by an ever-expanding body, especially due to a stretched-out uterus, you may not feel any pain during the first trimester. Also, most women don’t get a lot of weight during the first trimester, and hence the stretching of your muscles is minimal.
• Second trimester: As your baby continues to grow, you may experience some level of rib pain and shortness of breath. This may typically occur due to your uterus pushing up against your diaphragm and compressing your lungs.
• Third trimester: During this time, you might experience a significant amount of rib pain as your uterus expands exponentially and adds more pressure to your ribs. Additionally, you may also feel your baby’s movements, in the form of kicks and jabs too.

The good news is that in the weeks before you deliver, your baby will get ready for birth by dropping into your pelvis and taking off some pressure from your ribs. 

How Do Your Relieve Rib Pain During Pregnancy?

You don’t have to wait until your little one’s arrival to feel better. Use the following methods to ease your rib pain and discomfort.

• Wear loose-fitted clothes: Wearing a tight shirt or dress can add more pressure to your already-sore ribs. Stick to flowy maternity dresses, and wear loose tank tops and t-shirts.
• Take a bath: A warm bath can help ease a lot of pregnancy aches and pains, including rib pain. If you are too tired or lazy to take a bath, you can try applying a heating pad to the affected area as well.
• Find a different sitting position: If you are constantly feeling your baby’s kicks on your ribs, then you should consider trying to change their position. Try bouncing on an exercise ball or doing a few pelvic tilts to move your baby to a different position.
• Wear a belly-support band: Belly-support bands are specially designed to redistribute the weight around your growing belly. While these bands are primarily used to soothe round ligament pain, you can also use them to take the pressure off your straining abdomen, and ease the pulling sensation on your ribs.
• Take pain relief medications: ask your doctor to prescribe a pain relief medication to soothe inflammation in your body and reduce chest pain.

When Should You Be Concerned about Rib Pain During Pregnancy?

If the above-mentioned remedies fail to ease your discomfort, or you have any concerns about rib pain during pregnancy, then you should consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Also, contact your doctor right away if you are having rib pain in your upper abdomen, particularly if it’s flaring up, under your ribs on the right side of your body. This pain could be a possible indicator of preeclampsia, which is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure.

Preeclampsia requires immediate medical attention and care, and hence, if you experience this kind of pain with other symptoms like nausea, change in vision, and severe headaches, then contact your doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Rib Pain During Pregnancy

It’s possible to prevent some degree of rib pain by staying active and exercising throughout pregnancy. Physical activity can help you remain comfortable, and prevent excess weight gain, which is one of the major contributors to rib pain during pregnancy. However, indulge in physical activities only after consulting with your doctor, and perform each exercise in moderation without overdoing it.

Conclusion

While rib pain during pregnancy is a normal occurrence, it may cause some level of discomfort in you and hinder your daily activities. But don’t worry, you can manage this symptom by staying active throughout your pregnancy, and following simple relief measures like applying a heating pad or wearing a belly-support band to ease the pain. If your symptoms persist even after trying all the relief measures, you can seek consultation from your doctor for better pain management. 

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