The Mysterious Rib Pain Of Early Pregnancy: What Every Mom-To-Be Should Know

Pregnancy rib pain is a common occurrence, especially in the second and third trimesters. However, it can start as early as the first trimester. There are several reasons why pregnant women may experience rib pain. One reason is the baby's position and movement in the womb, which can cause pressure on the ribs or even a kick to the ribs. The growing uterus can also push against the diaphragm and crowd the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and rib pain. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the muscles and ligaments, causing soreness in the ribs and other body parts. Other causes include heartburn, indigestion, urinary tract infections, and gallstones. While rib pain during pregnancy is usually harmless, it is important to be aware of warning signs and seek medical advice if the pain is severe or persistent.

Hormones and physical changes

Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone and relaxin, work to loosen and relax the muscles and ligaments in your body. These changes help prepare your body for pregnancy and delivery, but they can also lead to soreness in your ribs and other body parts. Relaxin may also be responsible for some of the skeletal pain that women experience during pregnancy, including rib pain.

The production of relaxin during pregnancy can also relax part of the oesophagus, which is why pregnant women often experience heartburn. In some women, this heartburn might manifest as rib pain. Heartburn can start as early as the first trimester and may last throughout the pregnancy.

As your baby grows and your uterus stretches into the upper part of your abdomen, it can push on your rib bones. This can further strain your already strained chest and stomach, causing pain in the ribs.

The position of the fetus in the womb can also cause rib pain. Usually, close to the end of the second trimester, the fetus changes position and turns upside down so that the feet are pointing toward the ribs. In this position, the fetus can put pressure on the ribs. Their movements, especially kicks, can also cause aches and pains in the ribs.

Baby's kicks

During the last trimester, a baby's legs and feet are developed, strong, and ready to kick. Sometimes, those kicks can get you right in the ribs. The baby's kicks can be a source of rib pain during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters when the baby is larger and the uterus is expanding.

The baby's position in the womb can also cause rib pain. Usually, towards the end of the second trimester, the baby turns upside down so that its head is facing down and its feet are pointing towards the ribs. This new position can put pressure on the ribs, and the baby's movements can cause aches and pains.

If the baby is kicking you in the ribs, there are a few things you can try to get them to move:

• Eat smaller meals. A full stomach pushes the uterus against the rib cage, causing discomfort.
• Push below your ribs to get the baby to move.
• Sleep on the side that hurts.

Relieving Rib Pain

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Wear a supportive bra.
• Try a pregnancy belly band.
• Practice good posture.
• Try a warm bath or use warm compresses/ice packs on the sore area.
• Use extra pillows at night.
• Try prenatal chiropractic care.
• Do deep breathing exercises.
• Stay active and exercise during pregnancy.

Heartburn and indigestion

Symptoms of heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy

• A burning sensation or pain in the chest
• Feeling full, heavy or bloated
• Feeling or being sick
• A bitter taste in the mouth
• Coughing
• A sore throat

Tips to help ease heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy

• Eat small meals often, rather than larger meals 3 times a day.
• Avoid eating within 3 hours of going to bed at night.
• Sit up straight when eating and just after eating.
• Cut down on drinks containing caffeine and foods that are rich, spicy or fatty.
• Prop your head and shoulders up when going to bed.
• Sleep on your left side.
• Chew gum after meals.
• Drink milk after meals.
• Try alternative medicine options like acupuncture and relaxation techniques such as yoga.

Medication for heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy

• Antacids to neutralise the acid in the stomach.
• Alginates to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux.
• H2 blockers to block chemical signals that produce stomach acid.
• Proton pump inhibitors to cut down on stomach acid.

Urinary tract infection

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs, especially during the third trimester. The risk is highest between weeks 6 and 24 of pregnancy.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Increased frequency of urination
• Feeling of urgency when urinating
• Blood or mucus in the urine
• Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Chills, fever, sweats, and leaking of urine
• Waking up from sleep to urinate
• Changes in the amount of urine
• Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul, or unusually strong
• Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the bladder area

If left untreated, a UTI can cause serious problems during pregnancy. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI. Antibiotics are typically used to treat UTIs during pregnancy.

To reduce the risk of developing a UTI during pregnancy, it is recommended to:

• Drink plenty of water and unsweetened cranberry juice
• Avoid refined foods, fruit juices, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar
• Take Vitamin C, Beta-carotene, and Zinc supplements
• Urinate as soon as you feel the need and empty your bladder completely
• Urinate before and after intercourse
• Keep the genital area clean by wiping from front to back
• Avoid using strong soaps, douches, antiseptic creams, feminine hygiene sprays, and powders
• Change underwear daily and wear cotton or cotton-crotch underwear
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants

While rib pain during pregnancy is usually caused by the growing uterus and baby, in some cases, it can be a sign of a UTI. If you are experiencing rib pain, especially in the lower ribs at the front or back, along with other UTI symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome

Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are two of the most serious causes of rib pain during pregnancy. They are rare but life-threatening complications that can cause liver pain, felt in many different ways. For some, it may manifest as shoulder pain, pain near the bra line, or severe heartburn. Others may experience it as pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.

Preeclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It affects 5-8% of pregnant women in the US. HELLP syndrome, on the other hand, is usually considered a variant or severe form of preeclampsia. It occurs in 0.1-0.6% of all pregnancies and is characterised by:

• Hemolysis (the breaking down of red blood cells)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Low platelet count

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

• Abdominal pain, usually on the right upper side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling and quick weight gain
• Pain when taking deep breaths
• Uncontrolled nosebleeds
• Seizures or uncontrollable body shakes

Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome can be difficult to distinguish from one another, and from other conditions, as they share many of the same symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, as these conditions can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Frequently asked questions