Intercostal neuralgia pregnancy
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| Intercostal neuralgia pregnancy |
Pregnancy: Relieving pain under the ribs
Are you pregnant and suffering from pain under your ribs ? You are probably wondering if this pain is normal at the beginning or end of pregnancy. When should you see your doctor and when should you be concerned about the impact of these symptoms on your health and that of your fetus?
We tell you everything!
What is the connection between pain under the ribs and pregnancy?
Pain under the ribs occurs frequently at the beginning of pregnancy but also at the end of pregnancy . It causes a feeling of discomfort for the pregnant woman.
The increase in the size of the baby in the womb is the cause because, as the fetus grows, the organs have less and less room (because the uterus is enlarging) and the diaphragm is pushed upwards. The baby's kicks can also be the cause of pain under the ribs.
In the most serious cases, the pain is explained by trauma or shock such as a fracture or rib sprain. Otherwise, it is possible that it comes from tension on the liver due to stomach pathologies such as acid reflux or nausea and vomiting (common in pregnant women).
Beware of pre-eclampsia in case of subcostal pain but also of the appendix (the bony point under the sternum) which can, once linked to pregnancy, become inflamed and harm your health (as well as that of the fetus).
The pain is not always serious, especially when there has been no shock or particular trauma. It can be explained in particular by an increase in the volume of the uterus or compression of the fetus on the lower part of the ribs.
Lower back pain can accentuate pain in the ribs. This is the case with sciatica , pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, i.e., in the lower back, buttocks and lower limb. Ligament pain in the buttocks therefore causes pain and you end up adopting poor posture.
Once the baby's head is positioned down at the end of pregnancy (getting ready for the big day, delivery!), rib pain tends to decrease in pregnant women.
What tests should you do if you have pain under your ribs while pregnant?
If you suffer from pain under your ribs when you are pregnant (whether it is the beginning or the end of your pregnancy), we strongly advise you to consult the healthcare professional who is monitoring you and to describe your symptoms to them (general practitioner, midwife, etc.).
Your doctor will diagnose you and may order an ultrasound to learn more about the source of your pain and the health of your fetus.
Our tips for relieving pain under the ribs during pregnancy
Lower abdominal or rib pain tends to occur when you are sitting (which compresses the uterus) and when the baby moves a lot in late pregnancy. To relieve the pain, it is advisable to do physical activity such as walking.
❕In case of very painful ailments, physical activity should only be practiced occasionally .
It is advisable to leave room for the abdomen by lying down several times during the day and avoiding sitting for too long.
Lying down for a few minutes with your arms outstretched and a cushion under your knees is also a good way to soothe pain, for example. Don't hesitate to stretch regularly , without going to the point of pain, starting on one side then the other and repeating the action several times.
Subcostal pain is often accompanied by lower back pain (back pain) which causes a loss of mobility in the pelvis. To relieve it, using a pregnancy ball is one of the best solutions (it is an ideal ally for your entire pregnancy, from beginning to end!). It allows you to perform circular movements, good for the spine and lumbar region. The goal is to relax the lower limbs.
When movements are not enough, osteopathy sessions may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. The osteopath will relieve painful tension in the ribs, lower abdomen or the affected vertebra.
Medications are not recommended during pregnancy for rib pain. Non-drug solutions such as natural remedies and exercises are preferred . However, you may be prescribed medical treatment, including paracetamol, in some cases.
Pain under the ribs while pregnant, when should I worry?
Pain under the ribs is very common among pregnant women. As a general rule, there is nothing to worry about since it is mainly due to the fact that the baby is growing in your belly: by taking up more space in the uterus, it forces your body to reorganize itself .
However, as always in the event of abnormal symptoms or pain, do not hesitate to consult the person monitoring your pregnancy (doctor, midwife, etc.).
Among the signs that may be worrying (and therefore require an emergency consultation), we think of:
- Severe and persistent pain : If the pain keeps getting worse and doesn't go away, there may be an underlying problem.
- Vaginal bleeding : Although you may experience some bleeding early in your pregnancy, it is best to see a doctor to make sure everything is okay.
- Fever : A sudden, high fever with no apparent explanation is often a sign of infection. Even if it doesn't seem to be specifically linked to your pain under your ribs, it's still worth monitoring (everything in the body is linked!).
- Sudden swelling of the feet, ankles and/or face : as we have seen, these symptoms can be a sign of pre-eclampsia!
- Difficulty breathing : This could mean that something is putting pressure on your lungs, so you need to see a doctor quickly.
- Unusual baby movements : yes, babies tend to move a lot, especially as they get closer to birth (often, this is because they are turning head down). However, unusual or much less frequent movements should alert you and require an emergency consultation to check that everything is okay.
- Pain under the ribs is unpleasant for pregnant women and can have different explanations, more or less worrying. It is better not to ignore them: your well-being and that of the baby are essential. Above all, do not hesitate to consult as soon as you feel pain, intense or not!
Our tip
Good to remember: relieve pain under the ribs during pregnancy.
- Pain under the ribs is common in pregnant women.
- They are due to anatomical changes related to the growth of the baby in your womb/uterus.
- The increasing uterine size can put pressure on the organs, and the baby's kicking can contribute to these uncomfortable sensations.
- Common causes: baby's growth, baby's activity, strain on the liver (linked to acid reflux for example).
- Medical examinations and advice: medical consultation in case of pain, an ultrasound scan may be prescribed by a health professional to assess the source of the pain.
- Tips for relieving pain under the ribs: gentle physical activity, resting in a lying position several times a day to relieve pressure, light stretching can alleviate pain, use of a pregnancy ball (promotes pelvic mobility and relieves lower back pain), recourse to osteopathy sessions with a professional.
- Worrying symptoms (which require urgent consultation with a healthcare professional!): intense and persistent pain, vaginal bleeding, sudden and unexplained fever (potential sign of infection), sudden swelling of the feet, ankles or face (beware of pre-eclampsia), breathing difficulties, unusual movements of the baby.
