Causes of Rib Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may start to notice discomfort in your ribs or side due to your growing uterus. Pain and discomfort in the ribs are one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. This can be uncomfortable and can make sleeping on your side difficult. It can be especially painful for those with existing musculoskeletal problems.

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What causes rib pain during pregnancy?

Rib pain during pregnancy can be a sign of something wrong. In most cases, the cause is harmless (e.g., muscle strain, overstretched ligaments, or an arthritic rib). Also, your growing uterus can cause further pressure. Rib pain tends to be most present during the end of your pregnancy as everything stretches.

Musculoskeletal changes

Musculoskeletal changes that occur during pregnancy may cause rib pain. For example, your range of motion may be limited as your body expands, or it may be harder to bend forward because there's a human being in front of you.

Gallstones

Pregnant people have a higher risk for gallstone disease because of higher estrogen levels and slower emptying of the gallbladder and biliary ducts, leading to gallstone formation. Up to 30 percent of pregnant and postpartum people will experience biliary "sludge" due to those sluggish ducts. Typically, the sludge and accompanying gallstones don't cause any symptoms. Still, sometimes, the stones can be severe enough to cause pain.

Heartburn

Relaxin is an aptly-named hormone that is produced during pregnancy that helps some of the muscles and ligaments get more relaxed in preparation for birth. This hormone may also be responsible for some of the skeletal pain that pregnant people feel, like pain in the pelvis and the ribs as your body makes room for the baby.

Relaxin also relaxes part of the esophagus, which may be why pregnant people are much more likely to experience heartburn or acid reflux. In some people, that heartburn might manifest as rib pain.

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How does rib pain change during pregnancy?

You may not experience any rib pain in the early stages of pregnancy. Some pregnant people, however, feel rib pain during the later stages of their pregnancy when their body starts to stretch in earnest. 

During the first trimester, rib pain is often caused by your body expanding to accommodate your growing baby, specifically your uterus. By the end of the first trimester, your baby will only weigh an ounce or two, and you probably haven't gained much weight. So it is unlikely to be experiencing the pain from your baby's kick.

As your baby continues to grow, you may notice some shortness of breath and rib pain during your second trimester. Your uterus continues to grow, pushing up against your diaphragm and compressing your lungs.

The third trimester is the moment when you will feel the kicks and punches from your growing baby. Your uterus will continue to expand, putting additional pressure and causing discomfort in your ribs. The good news is that your baby is shifting downwards. You may find comfort during weeks 36-40.

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Tips for relieving your discomfort

You may be able to prevent some degree of rib pain by staying active and eating a healthy diet during pregnancy. Both of these will help you prevent extra weight gain, the formation of gallstones, and hopefully, stay comfortable during pregnancy.

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Try a chiropractor

Working with a chiropractor can help your skeletal system stay aligned, especially as the stress of pregnancy shifts your body. A chiropractic adjustment may also help your baby settle into a lower position, taking some pressure off your rib cage.

Use an exercise ball

Drape yourself on your back on an oversized exercise ball and do a few roll-outs to stretch out and reduce rib pain.

Exercise

It may seem trite, but gentle exercises like stretching or yoga can help support your muscles and reduce rib pain.

Other suggestions

• Try to wear loose clothing to decrease the pressure off aching ribs.
• Take a warm bath (or use a heating pad) to soothe the aches and pains
• Try a pregnancy body pillow to find a sleeping position that is more comfortable for you
• Wear a belly-support band to take the pressure off your abdomen and redistribute the weight of your growing belly.
• Consult with your doctor about taking acetaminophen to relieve some of the pain and discomfort.
• Make sure to take breaks during the day and not stay in the same position for too long.

A note from Anja Health

You can expect to experience some mild rib pain during pregnancy. However, if you experience sudden or severe pain in the ribs or abdominal area, talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any serious medical condition.