Pregnancy Information Center
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Rib Pain During Pregnancy: Your Symptoms Manual
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What Rib Pain During Pregnancy Is
Rib pain feels like a soreness and tenderness around the ribs. Rib pain typically occurs on the right side of the body below the breast. The pain is usually exacerbated when you sit down. Rib pain usually only happens in the third trimester.
Why Rib Pain During Pregnancy Happens
As your baby gets bigger, your uterus pushes up into your abdomen and can push against your rib cage. Your baby may also be bruising your lower ribs with its head or by punching and kicking you in the ribs. Don't worry, the baby doesn't mean any harm!
How to Relieve Rib Pain During Pregnancy
- Make yourself as comfortable as possible when you sit or lie down. Propping pillows behind your back may help.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that don't hug your ribs and chest too tightly.
- Maintain good posture. Sit and stand up straight.
Rib pain will usually go away on its own when the baby's head drops into the pelvic cavity before birth.
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