Rib Pain in Pregnancy

I recently saw a question posted on a facebook group page about rib pain in pregnancy and why it happens. Here’s a quick answer if this is something you’re experiencing.

The rib area can become quite constricted in pregnancy due to the expansion of the ribs (sometimes called rib flaring) and the pressure on the diaphragm from both the baby and the breasts. The lungs and heart also increase in size because of the need for increased oxygen.

There are massage techniques to release the constriction but care needs to be taken as the intercostal muscles are softer with the hormonal changes in pregnancy. The techniques involve:

• cupping 1 hand along the diaphragm and another under the back ribs and then sandwiching the hands together as the mother breathes out. Then releasing the pressure as the mother breathes in.

• Another technique is to have the mother lying on her side and gently vibrating the intercostal muscles to help release them.

(Watch this space for a video of the techniques.)

Rib pain in pregnancy can become quite uncomfortable especially in your third trimester. Things I personally found useful were heat packs and some gentle side stretching plus self massage. Doing stretches in the shower (if you have the room) can be helpful as you can let the hot water run down the area of the body where you are feeling pain allowing the damp heat to get into the soft intercostal muscle so they relax.

When the ribs flare during pregnancy they generally do not return to the same position they were in before pregnancy. You’ll likely find that the area just below your shoulder blades, around the sides and under your breasts is broader. Potentially you’ll be needing a new set of bras :).

If you are experiencing rib pain during your pregnancy book in for a shiatsu to give yourself some relief and extra breathing room. Book online here