Pregnancy can be an exciting and joyful time. But it also brings physical changes and discomforts, like pain in the ribs during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing this common symptom of rib pains in pregnancy, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what causes the pain on the sides of your ribs or pain under the ribs pregnant people suffer from, We will also look at various ways one can use to find relief from this pain on the ribs during pregnancy. We’ll also cover when you may need to see a doctor about such a rib sore pregnancy pain.
What Causes Sore Ribs During Pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, two things can happen that cause pain under the ribs pregnant people suffer from. First, your growing baby and expanding uterus put increasing pressure on your ribs and internal organs. This pressure from your baby and womb is what leads to painful ribs and that bruised feeling along your ribcage.
Second, hormonal changes relax your ligaments and joints, which can further strain the rib area. During the time of pregnancy, there are several challenges faced by women which include health issues and conditions. Amongst these one such pain is Joint pain which is a common experience during the time of pregnancy.
The result is sore, painful rib cages that may throb or ache – especially in the third trimester as the baby grows rapidly. But there are several things you can do to help relieve discomfort from pain in the ribs when pregnant.
Top Tips to Relieve Pain on the Ribs When You’re Pregnant
If you’re pregnant and pain in your ribs is bothering you, try these self-care tips to find relief:
1. Use Cold/Heat Therapy
Switching between cold packs and heating pads can alleviate pain and swelling around sore ribs. Try each option for 15 minutes at a time and see which works best.
2. Schedule Prenatal Massages
The gentle pressure and kneading can help loosen tense muscles that pull on delicate ribs. Bonus – it just feels great!
3. Soak in a Warm Bath
Let the buoyancy of water take pressure off your ribs and relax surrounding muscles. Add Epsom salts or bath oils for extra soothing and healing benefits.
4. Invest in a Maternity Support Belt
Wearing an elastic pregnancy belt provides gentle compression and lift under the belly to take the strain off your torso and ribcage.
5. Improve Your Posture
Stand up straight! Slouching forward puts more force on tender ribs. Align your shoulders over your hips to alleviate strain.
6. Try Gentle Stretches
Low-impact yoga helps open up the chest and sides while building strength to better support strained ribs. Go slowly and listen to your body.
7. Use More Pillows
Take the pressure off sore rib spots by sleeping propped on your side with pillows between your knees, at your back, and cradling your belly.
When to Call the Doctor About Pain on the Ribs When Pregnant
Most cases of rib pain during pregnancy will resolve on their own with some rest and conservative self-care. But you should call your healthcare provider right away if:
– Pain in the ribs is severe or persistent
– You have difficulty breathing
– You have chest pain, dizziness, swelling, or other concerning symptoms
It’s always better to err on the side of caution about ribs sore pregnant. Don’t hesitate to get medical care if your rib pains in pregnancy seem abnormal or excessively painful.
Also Read:- Why Avoid Bananas During Pregnancy? Unveiling The Ban On Bananas
Conclusion
If you are pregnant and the pain in your ribs is bothering you, the pregnancy will automatically become difficult. But at the same time, the pain under the ribs pregnant people suffer is rarely serious. As we’ve discussed, it’s a very common complaint. One can usually manage it at home with some self-care measures like heat, massage, stretching, and posture adjustments. Topical creams containing menthol, capsaicin, or magnesium may also provide cooling or warming relief.
Of course, severe or worsening pain on or under the ribs that pregnant people suffer from warrants prompt medical evaluation. Don’t ignore breathing difficulties, chest pain, dizziness, and other red flags. Call your doctor right away or go to urgent care. Getting checked out quickly can rule out rare complications like preeclampsia, gallstones, or even pneumonia. Your health team can also suggest stronger pain medications if over-the-counter options fail to touch your rib discomfort.
The good news? While painful, rib discomfort during pregnancy often gradually resolves on its own after delivery as pressure is taken off this area. Bear down and try the pain management tips we suggested to keep your rib pains during pregnancy in check. Also, take prenatal vitamins to support bone or muscle health. Ensure to talk to your doctor about safe exercise options if the individuals experience interference in mobility due to a ribs sore pregnancy.
Have you experienced painful rib cages or discomfort under your ribs or a ribs sore pregnancy? What remedies brought relief from pain on the ribs when pregnant in your case? Share your experiences and advice in the comments to help other moms-to-be better cope with this pesky but common problem.
References
- Abdi, R., Bari, Z., Fakheri, H., Moghaddam, G., &Rostami, K. B. (2013, January). The incidence and outcome of pregnancy-related biliary sludge/stones and potential risk factors. [Abstract]. Archive of Iranian Medicine, 16(1)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23273228 - Bari, O., Liu, M., Paik, C., Portincasa, P., Wang,T. Y., & Wang, D. Q. H. (2014, December). Cholesterol cholelithiasis in pregnant women: pathogenesis, prevention and treatment. Annals of Hepatology, 13(6), 728-745
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1665268119309755
