Rib pain during pregnancy can be a persistent problem, especially during the third trimester. Your rib cage 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 in and below the ribs as the uterus grows. Later in pregnancy, your abdomen stretches and your uterus stretches up and out. Your pelvis and abdomen are filling, and your baby is beginning to press 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 send pain to the shoulders.

This bread can be very spicy! It can also result in indigestion or acid reflux when your baby squeezes your stomach. Also, as your breast gets larger, they also put pressure on your ribs. During pregnancy, your breasts may increase by a cup or more. The extra weight pulls your shoulders forward and down, putting strain on your upper back, neck, and often causing pain around your rib cage. As your body prepares for the delivery of your baby, your hormones work hard to loosen your muscles and ligaments. This loosening can allow your ribs to shift and move in ways that weren’t natural before, causing discomfort. Your rib cage 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 sit up straight with your shoulders back. Slouching will compress your abdomen and cause more pain. Try to wear loose clothing so you don’t add extra pressure to your belly. Try to get 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 usually 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 of rib pain by separating the ribs from the uterus. Practicing chest stretches at entry can also be helpful because they will also help rotate your shoulders up and back, which can also help lift your ribs away from your uterus.

Stretching and prenatal yoga are great for keeping your body long and loose. The less compressed it is, the less your rib cage will hurt. Breathing and relaxation exercises can also be effective. There are a variety of practical techniques that can help gently stretch and lift the ribs from the uterus. Applying these techniques to your breasts, chest, and abdomen can really take a lot of the pain and pressure off your body, though you’ll need a friend or partner to help. Scheduling a visit to your massage therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist can also help relieve rib pain during pregnancy. If you have rib and flank pain that extends to your back, and/or burning or pain with urination, you should contact your health care provider. This could be an indication of a urinary tract infection.