Rib Out of Place

Hi S.,

I feel your pain, my son kept his feet up under my ribs on the left side for like the last 10 to 12 weeks of my pregnancy. When I had to sit for very long, it would hurt so badly from the bottom of my rib cage up over my left shoulder and down my back on that same side. And I sit at a computer all day. I would sit and type and cry because it hurt so bad. I stayed sore even after I had him for about 4 to 5 weeks. My rib cage still sticks out slightly further on my left side than my right because he moved my ribs out of place. I have heard of women having ribs broken from kicking babies.

The only thing I can suggest is lay on the floor on the opposite side you baby is laying on and take your hand and physically (but gently) try to slide him/her over. Also, at night, try to lay in a postion that will get the baby to move. Hopefully this will convince the baby to move into a new position. And take Tylenol as often as you need it. It will not hurt the baby, but help you. Also, if you have access to a pool at a YMCA or something, water aerobics will help to relieve some of the ache in those muscles.

I feel your pain! My son had his foot literally stuck in my ribs the last couple of weeks before he was born. At first they thought I had a blood clot in my lung-very scary! All you can do is try to find a position you can live with, take Tylenol and try to sleep as much as possible. It's going to be sore after you deliver too. I'm glad I had a c-section and didn't have to push through that. Good luck and hang in there.

I had surgery 2 years ago and I got a dislocated rib when they hospital staff attempted to move me from the gurney to the bed. It was very, very painful and stuck out for a while. They told me that there was nothing that they could do and that it would pop back into place. It finally did after about a week. The pain stopped immediately after that.

Hi S.
I am a massage therapist (and grandmother of 4), I have seen it, had it and dealt with it. When you are pregnant your body has alot of muscular stress. Muscle moves bone. It may be that the rib has slightly mis aligned.
Often a massage or chiropractic manipulation helps.
As you go through the pregnancy, you may find that getting regular massage will ease alot of the muscular stress on your body. I would also try some gentle side bending stretches. SLOW AND EASY with good deep breaths (if you can).

Good Luck, G.