Pain in Ribs During Pregnancy

Updated on August 22, 2010
C.R. asks from Piedmont, OK
9 answers

I am about 19 weeks pregnant, and for the last week or so I've been having this pain in my ribs. It's only on the right side, basically right under my boob. It happened with my first pregnancy, but not until the very end, so I just assumed my son had his foot in my ribcage. But it's happening way earlier than last time, and there's no way my baby's big enough to have her feet in my ribs yet, so does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? It just aches all the time, unless I'm standing up. It's mostly just annoying, but I would really like to know what's causing it. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the comments. I had an appointment yesterday and asked my OB about it. She said it's basically from the baby pushing my organs up into my ribcage. She said that's where my liver is, so now my liver is just squished up into my ribs right now. Nothing I can do about it. She said if I was having nausea or any other symptoms with it, it would be a gallbladder problem, but since it's just the discomfort, she doesn't think it's my gallbladder. It's still annoying, but it's nice to know what's causing it now! Thanks again!

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C.P.

answers from Jonesboro on

I just had my second baby and I had the same problem. My doctor said it was just one of the many joys of being pregnant. I guess it's a pretty normal problem. I hope it gets better for you. Good luck and congratulaions!

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A.T.

answers from Little Rock on

Sounds like you are having mild gallbladder attacks. How long ago was your 1st pregnancy? Most younger women who have their gallbladders taken out are within 2 years post-partum.

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

Talk to your OB soon. I had a high blood pressure scare last week, and the nurse and OB told me that if I have 'upper right quadrant' pain (which is what you describe) to give them a call because its something that *could* be a sign of preeclampsia, don't know why that is, but it can be serious, they both made a point to tell me to let them know right away if I get the pain.

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T.P.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

I had bad rib pain with both pregnancies, always on one side only. With your second, your body doesn't have to stretch so hard, so it expands earlier. This may explain why it's earlier this time. Good luck!

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K.M.

answers from Laredo on

I am almost done with my second pregnancy and I have been having the same issue for a while now. I think its because with your first pregnancy the baby takes longer to move around and stretch things out. But with your second pregnancy everything is already stretched out so the baby gets around alot more and alot sooner. Just push back, maybe it will help.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

Be sure to mention it at your next checkup. Gallstones can create pain in just about that location, and are fairly common. There have been a lot of requests about gallstones during pregnancy on this site lately.

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M.A.

answers from Houston on

My ribs hurt, I had indegestion like no ones business...I NEVER had the "pee" problem like some mothers. My baby just sat up real high. She never "dropped" and I never went into labor.
Personally, I think it all depends on the the Momma and the Baby.
All I know is that I had heartburn from her for MONTHS!!!! DROP why dontcha!!!!
Didnt happen for me.....
GL.
M:)

S.G.

answers from Dallas on

With my second pregnancy I had rib pain; my obgyn told me it was just my body making room for the baby. I went to my chiropractor because I know that kind of pain is not usual plus it got the point where inhaling and exhaling hurt. I found out from my chiropractor that my rib had popped out of place; he popped it back in and I felt all the better. Of course on my next appt my obgyn was like "you feeling better now; your body just had to adjust" I just looked at him and went "yeah sure." I was happy to feel better. My husband and me didn't tell our obgyn what we did due to he downed alternative treatments. Needless to say I had a chiropractor and holistic doc on the side; it was a great pregnancy. Maybe its a rib out of place or ligament pain; I hope you get to feeling better soon. Congrats on pregnancy.

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S.H.

answers from Detroit on

I would second the chitopractor!! Your body is going through so many changes that a chiropractor is a godsend! My rib goes out of place a lot too, it also effect my breathing, etc.... I am using a chiropractor now with my second child, and did do with my first. My OB never had a problem with it.

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