Pregnancy & Rib Pain: the what why and how

If you’re expecting and experiencing discomfort in your rib area, you’re not alone. Rib pain during pregnancy is a common issue, and while it can be unsettling, understanding its causes and knowing how to manage it can make a significant difference. 

 There can be many causes of rib pain during pregnancy.  

• Growing Uterus: As your baby grows, your uterus expands upward, pushing against your rib cage. This pressure can lead to a sensation of discomfort or pain in the ribs, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The rib cage must accommodate this expansion, which can stretch and strain the muscles and ligaments around it.  

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly relaxin, are responsible for loosening the ligaments in your body to prepare for childbirth. While this is beneficial for delivery, it can also cause additional stress on your rib cage and the surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort or pain.  

• Baby’s Position: The position of your baby can significantly impact rib pain. If your baby is lying in a breech position or pushing against your ribs, you might experience sharp or dull pain. Babies are known to shift frequently, so the discomfort might come and go.  

• Rib Flare: During pregnancy, the ribs might flare out more than usual due to the increased pressure from the expanding uterus. This can lead to discomfort with increased strain on the surrounding muscles.  

There are some ways to manage rib pain that may help to relieve some pain: 

•  Adjust Your Posture or Change Position: Maintaining good posture can alleviate some of the pressure on your rib cage. Changing position throughout the day may help to decrease pressure and muscle spasms surrounding your ribs. 

•  Wear Comfortable Clothing: Tight or restrictive clothing can exacerbate rib pain. Supportive maternity bras that don’t press on your ribs can also make a difference.  

• Practice Gentle Stretching: Appropriate stretching exercises can help relieve tension in the muscles around your ribs. A pelvic floor physical therapist can design a routine designed for you and your pregnancy.  

 While rib pain is usually a normal part of pregnancy, there are times when it could signal a more serious issue. Contact your healthcare provider if the pain is severe and persistent, you have trouble breathing, severe nausea, or chest pain, or if you notice any sudden or unusual changes in your pain levels.  In rare cases, severe rib pain could be associated with conditions such as preeclampsia or other complications that require medical attention.  Rib pain during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but it’s generally manageable with the right strategies.  

Jennifer Cumming, PT, MSPT, CLT, WCS