Rib pain during pregnancy can be a persistent problem, especially during the third trimester. Your ribcage may feel mildly sore or extremely tender and bruised. You may have discomfort on either or both sides, although it is commonly worse on the right side of the ribs. The pain occurs inside and below the ribs as the uterus grows. Later in the pregnancy, your abdomen stretches and your uterus stretches up and out. Your pelvis and abdomen are filling out and your baby is starting to push under your ribs and chest. This upward pressure from your baby can also make you feel short of breath. This pressure on the ribs and diaphragm can also cause shoulder pain, because there are nerves in the diaphragm that can refer pain to the shoulders.
This bread can be very spicy! It can also result in indigestion or acid reflux when your baby squeezes on your stomach. Also, as your breasts get larger, they also put pressure on your ribs. During pregnancy, your breasts may increase by a cup or more. The extra weight pulls the shoulders forward and down, putting strain on the upper back, neck, and often leading to pain around the ribcage. As your body prepares for the delivery of your baby, your hormones work hard to loosen up your muscles and ligaments. This loosening can allow your ribs to shift and move in ways that were previously unnatural, causing discomfort. Your ribcage not only loosens, but also expands, not only to make room for your baby, but also to help increase your breathing and lung capacity. Even though she feels short of breath, her body is taking in about 40 percent more air than it was before she got pregnant.
Rib pain during pregnancy can cause the most discomfort when sitting. Practicing good posture is especially important. Try to make sure you are sitting up straight with your shoulders back. Slouching will compress your abdomen and cause more pain. Try to wear loose fitting clothing so that it does not add extra pressure to your belly. Try getting a new bra. It is especially important to have a supportive bra that is not too tight. Underwired bras can put too much extra pressure on your ribs. Now may be a good time to invest in a good nursing bra. They generally offer good support without being too tight and will come in handy once your baby is born. Raising your arms above your head can relieve some of the pressure and provide temporary relief from rib pain by pulling the ribs away from the uterus. Practicing entry chest stretches can also be helpful because they will also help rotate the shoulders up and back, which can also help lift the ribs away from the uterus.
Stretching and prenatal yoga are great for keeping your body long and loose. The less compressed it is, the less your ribcage will hurt. Breathing and relaxation exercises can also be effective. There are a variety of practical techniques that can help to gently stretch and lift the ribs from the uterus. Applying these techniques to your breasts, chest and abdomen can really take a lot of pain and pressure off your body, although you will need a friend or partner to help you. Scheduling a visit to your massage therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist can also help alleviate rib pain during pregnancy. If you have pain in your ribs and flank that extends to your back, and/or burning or painful urination, you should contact your health care provider. This could be an indication of a urinary tract infection.