thread: Searing rib pain - Is there anything I can do?

  1. #1
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Question Searing rib pain - Is there anything I can do?

    Bub must have moved up higher a couple of days ago and put pressure on my ribs which were really sore. The pain on my right side became searing (IYKWIM?) and it hurts to move, lie down and breathe in deeply (apart from that it's fine ). I went to my chiro yesterday and she helped move bub down a little which has eased the pressure, but the searing pain on my right side is still there. I've never broken a rib, but I'm guessing it would be a kind of similar sharp, hot pain where it hurts to breathe and laugh.

    Has anyone else had this? Is there anything I can do to relieve the pain? I've been taking Panadol at bedtime to help with the pain, but is there anything else I can do during the day? I suppose a heat pack might help? Hopefully it's something that will heal itself soon.

    TIA

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jan 2005
    Down by the ocean
    6,110

    The only way I could get relief from that was to go both bra-less and to kneel in front of the couch, lean over and rest my head on it and rock to shift bub. My bra would dig in from the top and the pressure from bub from under would be agonizing.
    Sometimes I'd recline on the couch but then I'd get a lower back ache

  3. #3
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    May 2007
    Brisbane
    5,310

    I used to stretch up, like reach up to the high shelf in the pantry (lol) it seemed to help, but it was only temporary relief Or do what Sam said - I'd lean on my knees onto a bean bag and take the pressure off.

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Thanks guys, I'll try those suggestions. Anything to help the pain!

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Member

    May 2005
    Brisbane
    1,322

    Trish

    From what you described I think I had something similar with L. I went to a physio who did some massage, manipulations on my back and strapped it for a few days. It was much better after that. I know you're keen on chiros so maybe have them work on your back a bit????

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    South Eastern Suburbs, Vic
    6,054

    I remember the rib pain with Riv, I'd look and expect to see bruises sometimes.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Apr 2009
    Bayside Melb.
    834

    Trish:

    I hope it isnt broken for your sake, have you been to gp but then that may mean an xray which you dont want atm .

    You allergic to codiene? As you could try two panadiene tablets .... for the pain.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    May 2006
    Igglepiggle Land
    2,742

    It kind of reminds me of when I had pre-eclampsia (not trying to scare / worry you). It went undiagnosed for 6 wks and during that time I thought (and was told by a GP) that it was just the baby's position.

    Do you have headaches, is your vision ok?

    My pains started up under the right side of the ribs, and eventually I felt my right shoulder was almost numb (which apparently is another indicator of PE, referred pain).

    In any event, do you have a wheat bag (or some other heat bag) to put on it? That worked for me. Even, as odd as it sounds putting deep heat on it may help relieve the pain.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Sunshine Coast
    746

    Or, conversely, if you feel the baby's position is causing the pain, you could put an icepack on the area...the baby will move away from the cold. This is what I did, not as comfy as a heat pack though.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    on a journey called life, finding our way home
    629

    OMG!!! i could have written this post myself except mine is on the left!! lol, It is so sore and has been for the last few days. nothing is helping... the stretching does but only temporary like leasha said. I hope it gets better for you too

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Thanks for your replies everyone! The pain is still there today, but it seems to be losing it's intensity (thank goodness), so I think it is finally healing. She must have done something pretty big in there

    Saffi - If the pain is still here in a few days I think I'll enquire about a physio, thanks for the suggestion

    Nelle - Sorry you went through that too with River, it's horrible isn't it?

    Bubno3 - Thanks for your suggestion, I'll ring the hospital if the pain keeps up and they may tell me to just see a GP first.

    Leesa - EEK! No blurred vision or headaches thank goodness! I think my ribs have just suffered some kind of injury. You poor thing having PE , that must have been so scary.

    Curly - What a great suggestion! I'll try ice if she sneaks back up again, that'll teach her . Luckily the chiro was successful in getting her to move back down this time.

    Krissy2 - Sorry you are feeling the same pain. You have my full sympathy!

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    3,562

    Trish - I had this a few weeks ago when bub was still transverse...was NOT fun. Good news is once bub got into a better position, it slowly went away. Hope it's feeling better soon.

  13. #13
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Thanks Willow I'm glad your pain eventually went away on it's own, it's reassuring to know. I have NO idea what position she is in atm, she was head down at the last check 2 weeks ago, but her movements and kicks change places all the time. She's very unpredictable, typical girl

  14. #14
    Registered User
    Add aussienic on Facebook

    Feb 2005
    Boyne Island
    6,327

    I had this with my last pregnancy.. It was so painful

    I ended up getting an US done because they thought I had kidney stones. Might be worth mentioning to your Dr.. I didn't have them it was just muscle or something.. It went away after a couple weeks

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Melbourne
    6,745

    I had this too and my OB said it was normal as bubs is stretching the ligaments between your ribs. It got better as she dropped a bit.