Strange pain near the ribs - what could this be?

Hi there third trimester ladies,

I'm just 28 weeks today and the past few days I have been feeling this strange ache which is in the area beneath my right breast, and at the beginning of my ribcage (if that makes sense?), kind of above where my belly swells out. It's not constant, and is aggravated by moving my right arm up and over my head, or if I find my posture becoming a bit slouchy. Has anyone else ever experienced this sensation? It's almost as though something is pushing up and scraping near my ribcage - I had some vague idea it might be my diaphragm, but I honestly have no idea. It feels like a muscular kind of ache, too. Do you think this could just be my stomach muscles stretching, or something else? It's not unbearable, just slightly odd. I'd really appreciate any opinions on this!

Thanks!

Could it be a little foot?

The thought had crossed my mind, but I think it's far too high up to be any part of little baby - it's basically right under my breast, and I don't think my uterus has quite reached that height yet. I can definitely tell the difference between her not-so-gentle foot movements and funny bodily aches now - she has the kick of a judoist lately!

I had the same pain right up until bub's dropped down. I have know idea what caused it, but if you look at the list of symptoms for the 3rd trimester it is listed on there so it must be quite common. I used to rub ice cube's over it when it was really painful.

Yeah, but you are being very slowly compacted.... all your bits are moving higher or to the side. I'm sure my stomach was in my throat at one stage!

Oh, that makes sense - thanks so much!

Hi Littleberlin,

I also have this pain and thought it may have been a bub bodypart. Have since been told it is probably the ribcage expanding to make way for the uterus as it grows. I have a very short torso so there isn't much room for uterus and baby to go!

does it ease off if you stretch out or change position. maybe bend at the waist and support yourself on a table or chair back?

i used to have a pain i didnt understand... thought it was just bubs but it came back when she was 4 weeks old. turned out to be gall stones.... not trying to freak you out, sorry, just another possibility. mention at your next doctors visit.

I had rib pain on the right side also but it was mainly in my back not front. Turned out that the pressure of everything moving up to accommodate bump has caused 3 ribs to dislocate. It was probably my biggest aliment during this pregnancy as I could not escape the discomfort. Eventually when bump dropped the discomfort has backed off. But as for a specific sharpish feeling in the front. Turned out to be bump pushing the heel of his foot into my ribs, caught him doing it on one of his ultra sounds. Cheeky little thing!

I get this every pregnancy, I hate it... :wall: It is always worse if I am not wearing a bra, I find if I put my bra on, and have it really supportive, it helps to take the pressure off a bit...ah, the joys of being heavily pregnant ;)

I find I spend a bit of time wandering around with my arm under my boobs holding them up! haha quite unconsciously, just to make me feel a bit better (not in public lol)

I have been getting the same pain... sorry to say it only gets worse :rolleyes: I find taking a little walk or resting with my right arm up (ie. on the back of the couch) helps a little. At first I would always take my bra off, thinking it was the pressure from the bra, but like Cyathea said that only makes it worse! Also, avoiding big meals helps. When I am really full it is always more uncomfortable.

I asked my Ob and he said that your liver is on the right side and therefore there is less room. My bub is head down and he said it's his bum pushing up against it!

I remember getting jabs in the ribs , or a bum lodgement there, when I was pregnant with Cierra. I remember trying to push her bottom down a bit to give me a bit of grace! :lol:
Its pretty uncomfy hey