WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Shortness of Breath and Rib Pain: Breathing Easy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Shortness of Breath and Rib Pain: Breathing Easy
Pregnancy is a time of remarkable changes in your body, and for some moms-to-be, that includes experiencing discomfort in the rib cage.
Rib pain during pregnancy can be bothersome, but worry not! We'll delve into the causes, how it evolves during pregnancy, and share effective ways to find relief.
Causes of Rib Pain During Pregnancy
Rib pain often arises in the second and third trimesters, especially as your growing belly stretches your body to accommodate your baby.
There are a few reasons why rib pain may occur during pregnancy:
  • Hormones: Pregnancy hormones like relaxin can cause the ribs to expand, which may lead to discomfort in the rib and side area.
  • Inflammation: The cartilage attached to your ribs can loosen and expand during pregnancy, leading to inflammation and pain.
  • Increased Uterine Pressure: As your uterus continues to expand, it can exert pressure on the rib cage, causing discomfort.
  • Baby's Kicks: Your little one's playful kicks or jabs can occasionally reach your ribs, contributing to the pain.
Evolution of Rib Pain During Pregnancy
  • First Trimester: Rib pain is unlikely during this early stage of pregnancy as your body is not yet experiencing significant stretching or weight gain. Morning sickness may even lead to some weight loss.
  • Second Trimester: As your baby grows, you might start experiencing rib pain and shortness of breath due to your expanding uterus pressing against your diaphragm and lungs.
  • Third Trimester: Rib pain tends to continue and become more prominent in the later stages of pregnancy when the uterus is expanding further, putting more pressure on the ribs. At this point, your baby is also getting bigger and might occasionally kick or jab your ribs.
Relieving Rib Pain During Pregnancy
You don’t have to endure rib pain until delivery day.
Try these tips to ease the discomfort:
  • Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for maternity dresses, loose sweaters, and extra-long tanks and T-shirts to avoid adding more pressure to your aching ribs.
  • Take a Warm Bath: A warm (not hot) bath can provide relief for many pregnancy aches and pains. If getting in and out of a bathtub is challenging, consider using a heating pad instead.
  • Change Positions: If your baby's position is contributing to rib pain, try changing your own position. Bouncing on an exercise ball or doing pelvic tilts might help.
  • Use a Belly-Support Band: Belly-support bands can help redistribute the weight around your growing middle, taking pressure off your straining abdomen and ribs.
  • Take Tylenol: If home remedies don't work, consult your doctor and consider taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain relief.
When to Seek Help for Rib Pain
If you have concerns about rib pain or if the discomfort persists, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Additionally, call your doctor if you experience rib pain in your upper abdomen, particularly on the right side, as this could be a symptom of preeclampsia—a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.
Other signs of preeclampsia include severe headaches, vision changes, and nausea.
If you suspect preeclampsia, seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and treatment.
With these insights and effective remedies, you can better manage rib pain during pregnancy and enjoy your journey to motherhood!
J
Jaide
6 Dec 2023

Hey I am having some bad spine and rib pain tonight and I am very short of breath. Is this all normal #firsttimemom #32weeks #teamjanuary

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
Z
Zaleka
Yes mamas no worries 😉
27 Mar 2024

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S
S H O N I
23 Sep 2023

does anyone else have an shortness of breath or breathing problems because of the baby ? i was literally struggling to breathe, i went right to the hospital😑😭

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2 comments
L
Lexi
I was just in the hospital for it the Dr told me it’s due to my baby being so long and don’t have any more room so when she in certain positions she is basically suffocating me, he told me to get up and try to move around n see if she would move so I can breathe
27 Mar 2024

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b
bailey
23 Jun 2023

is Shortness of breath everyday normal? it comes and goes like it isn’t constant. and it’s little to no pain at all. i guess i’m just worried. #11weeks4days

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5 comments
K
Ki 💝
It’s the increase of hormones. Then it will be the big ass baby in the way lmao
27 Mar 2024

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b
bailey
i mean last time i felt this was when i had covid. 🙄 and then i thought maybe my allergies are just really bad. but idk. my anxiety is honestly getting the best of me.
27 Mar 2024

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E
Emma
10 Jun 2023

anyone experienced chest pain or shortness of breath after eating. i feel like i have no room in my belly🫤

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2 comments
S
Shalena
And still be hungry like how 🫤
27 Mar 2024

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E
Emma
yup 🤦🏻‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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D
Darlene hernandez
25 Feb 2023

I have horrible back pain like near my left lung and rib cage😭 i cannot with this painI laugh I breath hard and its this pinning pain overall. Anyone else? Does anyone know why this is happening 😩😩😩 #

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4 comments
…
…. Kee💗🤞🏽
They say it’s normal. Body just be hurting!! 😩
27 Mar 2024

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D
Darlene hernandez
Gurll I cannot 😩😭😭
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erika
24 Feb 2023

Anybody else experiencing some soreness in the rib area and shortness of breath? This jus started when I hit 19 weeks?

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2 comments
T
Tierra
Yea, but my doctor said it was normal.🤦🏽‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Marissa
Yeah it’s a pinched nerve try to stretch out your chest and breath through it I get it all the time nothing to worry about but does feel scary
27 Mar 2024

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M
Michell
6 Dec 2022

So I'm 24 weeks and it's like since I got here I have been having pelvic pain and vaginal pain. There is no bleeding but it's just uncomfortable. I sometimes have shortness of breath. Does anyone else experience this?

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3 comments
C
Ce-Ce
Yeah try drinking more water and perhaps a pregnancy band for your baby bump
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nikola
23 Oct 2022

Holy shit guys my rib hurts hard core during pregnancy. I am so early but it still doesn’t stop the pain. When I was like 7/8 I fell from a bike and the steering of the bike didn’t have rubber so the metal went into my rib. My mom didn’t take me to the hospital or anything but it turned out it was broken, and it grew back in incorrectly. Whenever there’s climate change I feel it in my rib. It sucks so much because I can’t breathe. I was born with breathing problems but the rib just makes it worse and makes me get random breathing attacks. The way to stop the pain is try to stretch it but the pain is so sharp it feels like someone is poking a knife into my rib 😤.

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1 comments
A
Amber
My sons feet 👣 are stuck under my right rib cage it hurts and makes me so itchy 😖
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lisa
27 Jul 2022

Almost 26 weeks and phew shortness of breath makes me feel like I just can't breathe.. 😐 is this normal?

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3 comments
k
katie
Yes very normal I’m always out o breath when I was pregnant but trust me once u have your baby it’s gonna go back to normal…
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lisa
thank you!
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ailene
29 Jun 2022

Shortness of breath and lightheadedness are getting out of hand. I’m only 22 weeks and I almost passed out at the store today. Anybody have similar experiences? How can I fix it?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
H
Haley
Get blood sugar checked and start b12 vitamins double up on water
27 Mar 2024

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