Pregnancy Week by Week

Rib pain during pregnancy is probably the most pronounced during the third trimester when the baby is larger and presses on your rib cage. As the baby enlarges the uterus there can be pain under the rib cage. You may feel like you are sore and bruised. It may be both of your sides, or just the one side. In the last month of the third trimester, you may be short of breath as the pressure the baby puts under your ribs becomes greater. The hurting can be sharp and can persist.

When the abdomen is full of the uterus sometimes the diaphragm will be compressed and hurting will shoot upward to the shoulder area. This can cause indigestion, acid reflux, and heart burn as the stomach begins to be compressed. Rib pain during pregnancy can be from the breast tissue growth that is enlarging to allow the milk ducts to produce and hold milk for the baby. This added weight can change your posture and put pressure on your back and neck. The hormones that are produced during gestation help to loosen joints and ligaments in preparation for the birth of the baby. This can cause joint and ligament pain throughout the body and not just the pelvic area. The bones of your ribs are moving to allow room to accommodate the growing child.

Sitting for a prolonged period can cause rib pain during pregnancy. You should not sit or stand for lengthy periods. When you are sitting or standing then you need to practice good posture. Wear clothing that is loose fitting and get a bra fitting that will give you the appropriate garment to support your growing breasts. Do not use bras that use an underwire for support, but get one with a wide band. The wire can cause pressure on the ribs. You could invest in a bra that is used for nursing your baby. These are made with a support structure that is comfortable and will not cause added pressure to the chest area. When the pain hits you can lift your arms above your head to relieve the pressure of the uterus. Rotate your shoulders for relief.

Moderate exercise and yoga are often recommended for women who are expecting a child. Walking and swimming are low impact aerobics that will not harm you or the baby. Some of the yoga poses cannot be done safely while pregnant, but there are a great many that can and the relaxation techniques are excellent preparation for the birth of the child. If you have pain that shoots through your back and you have pain with urinating, you should contact your health care provider. You may have a urinary tract infection. A lot of culture use acupuncture to safely alleviate the pains in the body. A period of time spent with a masseuse will help you relax and help your muscles feel less painful. Be sure that what ever you decide to do to treat the rib pain during pregnancy has been discussed fully with your treating physician and has his approval.