Sternum And/or Rib Pain During Pregnancy

Updated on June 17, 2010
M.J. asks from Saint Paul, MN
5 answers

I am almost 25 weeks pregnant with my second child and all of a sudden over the weekend and through today I have been experiencing some pain in my sternum area - possibly coinciding with my ribs. I thought it was heartburn this weekend and have been taking Tums since then but don't think it is totally heartburn. I didn't really experience this with my first child - has anyone else?

FYI: I am measuring a two weeks ahead of schedule

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B.

answers from Augusta on

I had this with my daughter, she was high and was all up in my ribs. Especially 3rd trimester. around week 33 ish she started pushing her feet and fists up into my ribs.

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

I had Costochondritis too, it is pretty painful, so I would see your doctor and you may need anti inflamitories.

M.

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C.L.

answers from Fresno on

I had this with both daughters, probably because I carried them high. My ribs felt very tender for a few months after the birth.

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

I developed Costochondritis with my first child. It never entirely disappeared. Basically it is inflammation of the sternum. I would see a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal adjustments to get some relief and ask your dr about taking ibuprofen. Ice packs on my sternum worked well for me, and it will also keep your baby's little feet out of your ribs too, since the fetus will avoid the cold. Also, sleeping on your back rather than your side should also help, but again, I would see a chiro because you could have a subluxation in your ribs and they can adjust that pretty easily and painlessly.

There is a great chiro in Oak Park - Dr Sean Manning - who works almost exclusively with pregnant women and infants. He is well respected among midwives, OBs, doulas, etc for being able to alleviate aches and pains as well as turn babies who are breech. I actually used him with my infant daughter when she was in a car crash at 5 days old.

I hope you find some relief.

Hugs,
M.

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N.O.

answers from Phoenix on

With my first daughter I had cracked a rib in my thrid triemster which had led to all kinds of fun sensations in my sternum and rib cage. There was nothing I could do for it and I was told it would eventually heal on its own.
With my second baby i would have occassional achiness in my ribs and sternum especially on days where my breasts would be tender or my son was shifted strangely in my belly. If I sat too long I would usually have problems with pain in the sternum as well. I think it is part of everything expanding and the growing weight of your frame having to withhold so much more than usual.

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