The changes that pregnancy brings can affect a woman’s body in a variety of ways1, including causing certain pains to appear. However, pain is never a good thing, especially when you already have so many other concerns not only about your own health and the baby’s, but also everything related to pregnancy and what will come after. Understanding this concern for many women, we’ve decided to address today a topic that’s often neglected: rib pain in pregnancy. Is this something serious or is it mild and common during this period of upheaval in your body? Find out now!
Is Rib Pain in Pregnancy Normal?
First of all, it is important to explain that there are no fixed rules when it comes to pregnancy. Every woman’s body works in a different way. That’s why many women have pains that others can’t even imagine exist. Here, by “normal,” we mean something that happens in many cases and does not present any kind of exceptional danger. With that in mind, we can confirm that yes, it is normal to have rib pain, especially toward the end of pregnancy, but that does not mean it should not be treated or taken seriously. On the contrary, it’s precisely because it happens so often that treatment must be done in the best possible way. It’s not uncommon to hear a woman complain about pain in her right rib, her left side, or even on both sides. But to fully understand the causes and potential treatments, we need to talk about intercostal neuralgia.
What is Intercostal Neuralgia?
Also called intercostal neuritis2, this is a condition that can appear for several reasons in both men and women, and it means there is irritation or even inflammation in a nerve in the ribs. In pregnant women, it may present itself as an intense and persistent pain under the rib. Intercostal neuralgia is a condition that can be very bothersome for women in a period of life where attention to health must be doubled. To help you better understand, we’ve listed some key points that will make it easier to grasp what intercostal neuralgia is. These are:
- Causes of rib pain in pregnancy
- Main symptoms
- Treatment of Intercostal Neuralgia
Let’s talk about each of these separately so we can cover them thoroughly and in simple terms.
Causes of Rib Pain in Pregnancy
Intercostal neuralgia is a complication that arises from rib pain during pregnancy, but what causes this to happen? There are many possible causes, such as:
- Hormonal changes – Due to the high levels of hormones present during pregnancy, certain muscles can become very swollen and end up compressing the nerves in a woman’s ribs, leading to this condition.
- Uterine growth – As the uterus enlarges, all the surrounding organs need to rearrange themselves in a much smaller space, which also reduces the space between a woman’s ribs. This can cause certain nerves to be overly compressed, resulting in inflammation.
- Vitamin B complex deficiency – It may not seem obvious, but B vitamins are essential.
- Viral infections – Another cause of inflammation in the ribs’ nerves in a pregnant woman can be viral infections. In such cases, it is essential to consult a specialist to receive the correct treatment.
Main Symptoms
Although rib pain is the most evident symptom, there are many other things a woman should pay attention to, even the type of pain. With intercostal neuralgia, the pain is usually intense, sharp, and felt in a specific spot—that is, where the damaged nerve is. In addition, this pain can radiate to other organs, such as the stomach and even the shoulders. Another characteristic symptom is that the pain often becomes worse when the woman adopts certain postures or lies in specific positions.
Treatment of Intercostal Neuralgia
Now that you understand what this condition is, its causes, and main symptoms, we can finally talk about treatment3. As we’ve mentioned, there are some cases that need individual assessment, such as when rib pain in pregnancy is caused by a virus, for example. However, it is possible to outline what doctors usually recommend in general. Medication is generally not recommended, but if needed, the doctor may prescribe an acceptable dose for your specific case. There are also things you can do to relieve this pain, such as using warm compresses over the inflamed nerve, as well as doing specific exercises that help make the pain less bothersome. 
It’s important to highlight that self-medicating is never recommended, and this is especially dangerous during pregnancy, since it’s not just your own health at risk, but also your baby’s. Whenever you have a problem like this, seek a specialist to diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. That is the only way to ensure good, intact health for you and your child. No one likes to feel pain, especially if the pain appears in such a delicate moment as pregnancy. But the truth is that many things can happen and understanding the reason is essential to know how to treat the problem and prevent it from bothering you again. Pregnancy is a time when you have many worries. Therefore, resolving at least one of them and avoiding a recurrence allows you to focus on what truly matters: your child’s arrival into the world.
