Pain in the ribs during pregnancy

definition

The ribs are curved, paired bones that extend from the spine to the front of the sternum. A total of 12 pairs of ribs are found in humans. (see anatomy of the ribs)
Rib pain can arise and occur in different ways. Sore ribs are typical during pregnancy, for example. As a rule, the symptoms are harmless. In rare cases, however, it can also be a pregnancy complication, which requires extensive medical therapy and observation, which is why complaints of this type should be clarified.

Usually the complaints arise because of a Overuse of muscles, as well as other structures and organs that are in close proximity to the ribs. Because of the growing embryos In the course of pregnancy there is pain, especially from the second half of pregnancy, which can lead to Lack of space are due.

causes

The causes of the appearance of painful ribs during pregnancy can be very diverse. Often it is always more Space-consuming embryo indirectly responsible for the pain. So it comes to one strain of the rib cage and thus to one Overuse of the abdominal muscles. Since these muscles attach directly to the ribs, this strain can lead to painful ribs during pregnancy.

It can also be that the increasingly larger uterus presses on certain organs in the body, causing the discomfort. For example, press this on the liver and the Gallbladder, it can cause very severe discomfort in the area of ​​the right upper abdomen and the ribs come. Even if that Child moves, organs can be temporarily impaired and cause pain.

In approximately 0,3-0,8% of all pregnancies can lead to the so-called HELLP syndrome come. For reasons that have not yet been clarified, this syndrome leads to a change in various blood parameters and, as a result, to one Liver damage. A symptom of this syndrome is usually severe discomfort in the area right ribs. Because with this syndrome it is especially for the child dangerous can be is mostly the immediate delivery displayed.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the painful ribs. The quality of these complaints has an influence on which diseases are primarily suspected as triggers and is therefore important. Stabbing and only short-term complaints are usually harmless and can be affected by the Lack of space in the body. Even if the complaints can be related to the abdominal muscles, it can be assumed that the muscle attachments are harmlessly overstrained. Even if the causes are classified as harmless, the pain can be very severe and even extend into the spine radiate. The pain usually occurs around the second half of pregnancy and disappear suddenly from the 38th week of pregnancy when the child's head for the birth enters the pelvis and thus creates a little more space in the upper abdomen.
Will the pain cause the HELLP syndrome elicited, occur alongside the characteristic and long-lasting Upper right abdominal pain and the Ribs usually have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. By examining certain blood parameters, the HELLP syndrome can be definitively confirmed by a doctor.

therapy

A causal therapy for painful ribs during pregnancy is very difficult to implement. In most cases it is a Lack of space responsible for the discomfort within the pregnant woman's body. This can only be done with the birth of the child can actually be resolved.
To the sore side something relieve, the child's weight should be shifted to the non-painful side. If, for example, symptoms occur in the right ribs, lying on the left side of the body can often provide temporary relief. Also the use of special Pregnancy pillow aim at a relief and are helpful with this type of complaint.
Will the pain be from the so-called HELLP syndrome immediate delivery is indicated. If this syndrome is suspected, an emergency doctor should be called immediately and a hospital visited.
Around Seizures (Eclampsia) During the last trimester of pregnancy, the administration of magnesium and so-called benzodiazepines should be considered.

Duration

The duration of the symptoms depends largely on at what point in pregnancy they occur. Usually the pain occurs over the course of the year second half of pregnancy on. Depending on the size of the fetus and the individual constitution of the pregnant woman, the symptoms can appear earlier or significantly later. From the point at which the first pain occurs, it is likely that it will recur again and again during the course of pregnancy until it begins 38th week of pregnancy to a changed body position of the child comes and the Stop pain.

Pain in different locations

Right side pain

Rib pain during pregnancy can occur on either side. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, the pain mainly occurs on the right side of the body. This is the case, for example, when a general Lack of space or Movements of the child pressure is exerted on the organs located on the right side of the body. So there is often pain when Pressure on the liver and gallbladder be exercised.

Is a Overuse of the muscle attachments of the abdominal muscles For the pain concerned, the pain typically occurs both sides on. Nevertheless, even with this cause, one side can cause more severe symptoms.

Is this HELLP syndrome Responsible for the discomfort, the discomfort usually also occurs in the right ribs. This is on a Damage to the liver which is also on the right side at the level of the ribs.

Left side pain

Depending on Position of the child the pain may be more on the left than on the right. However, complaints that mainly occur on the left side are usually less common than those that are mainly felt on the right ribs. This can be achieved through the different Distribution of organs explain in the body. There is generally a little more space on the left half of the body than on the right side. Although the spleen, which is on the left side, can also be affected by the lack of space and the movements of the child, there is usually pressure on the Liver and gallbladder felt much earlier. This is basically also because the liver greater is and thus earlier from one Lack of space affected is.
Is the pain more muscular Kind, these are usually relative balanced to feel. Individually however, it can also become a reinforced Pain perception come on one side.

Back pain

As part of the symptoms that occur in the ribs during pregnancy, back pain can also occur. These can be caused by several phenomena. The ribs are connected to part of the thoracic spine and complaints can be passed on to this area. A Expansion of the ribs and Overloading the abdominal muscles can thus be passed on indirectly to the back, which is perceived as back pain. These types of discomfort then occur in the area Thoracic spine on.

Back pain is very common because of the higher Weightwhich occurs by the child and has to be carried by the mother and her spine, perceived towards the end of pregnancy. This strain can also lead to back problems.

Is this high weight The cause of the complaints, however, usually occurs in the area of ​​the lower back on.

Pain in the upper ribs

The ribs extend over the entire chest cavity of the person. So the first rib starts just below the collarbone. Symptoms associated with the middle and lower ribs occur. If the upper ribs are painful, you can Blockages certain joints may be responsible for the discomfort.

Also the so-called Tietze syndrome, which causes upper rib discomfort is a possible cause.

Pain below the ribs

If the discomfort occurs below the ribs, there can be different reasons. Are the pain on the right Side, it may be that the liver is the place of origin for the pain. Through a Lack of space or sudden Movements pressure is exerted on this organ of the child and discomfort can arise on the right side below the ribs.
Same goes for that HELLP syndrome, with the liver is the reason for the complaints.
Are the complaints in the Middle of the abdomen, are often one Overload of the Musculature and the stretched tissue is the cause of the discomfort.

Pain when coughing

Depending on the cause of the painful ribs during pregnancy, coughing can lead to increased pain perception. If so, there is usually one Overloading the abdominal muscles and their approaches underlying the complaints. Coughing causes one short and heavy exposure the abdominal muscles and therefore an increase in pain.

Expectorant Medication den Cough suppressant medication as well as sufficient Hydration should be considered in solving this issue.