Rib/boob ache in late pregnancy

[pamirka]

I'm 34 weeks PG with number 2 and had to come home from work today with what I think are really sore ribs. The pain, which is a dull ache that comes and goes in about half hour stretches, is just under my boobs at the front only. Baby is not changing position and his legs are down by my right hip, so it's not him kicking up into the ribs!

So, I could do with some advice: is this common? Is my bra too tight and causing the problem (though I've had it off for the last few hours and not noticed much change)? Are my boobs just heavy at this stage? Do I need to do anything about it?

Thanks!

[FrannyandZooey]

yes I have it, crap isn't it
it's the baby pressing outwards on your ribs, your ribs will actually be flaring out at this stage, and can apparently 'bend' up to several inches
but meanwhile it ruddy hurts doesn't it?
try different positions to sit / lie in
plus you could try getting on all fours to encourage baby to move around a bit, but I find it worst when it is in best position, ie its back at my front

[FrannyandZooey]

some information

I don't find the lifting arms thing helps personally but you might

[pamirka]

Well the midwife did say last week that he's going to be long - she said he was stretched everywhere! But yes, it hurts and it's tedious to have such a constant ache. I shall try getting on all fours but I'm supposed to be working from home... could be a bit tricky to type!!! thanks for such a quick reply, this is why I love MN.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

I got this for the last few months with ds1 (he was a big and long baby), and I think it will happen again with this pg. I found sitting right back in a chair with my back against the back of the chair was most comfortable. If I perched on the edge of a chair and lent forward it was agony.

I am feeling your pain!

[FrannyandZooey]

I think when you know what it is hopefully you can ignore it a bit more
but it is surprisingly painful isn't it!

[pamirka]

I'm trying to sit as upright as I can in my chair - looks a bit silly but at least I'm in the comfort of my own home! It is painful, but it's not half as uncomfortable as the back ache I had with DD. Bring on the last few weeks

[rascal1979]

Don't want to scare you but pain under the ribs can be a sign of Pre-Eclampsia.

Do you have any other symptoms such as headache, shoulder pain (right sided) sickness, vomiting, flashing lights, swelling etc?

[pamirka]

Rascal - no, none of the other symptoms you mention. But thanks for the concern.

[rascal1979]

ok but if it doesn't go then better to be safe than sorry! I only had the rib pain and vomiting and turned out I had severe pre-eclampsia.

Hope it settles soon x

[tassisssss]

I'm 35 weeks and I have this too, really badly. All that helps a bit is taking off my bra...i keep wondering if they're too tight. I have those wee bra extender things that helped a bit last time, but I can't locate them, must have a better search! For some reason I can get through the day and then come the evening it's chronic.

Sympathy, it's grim.

[babywearingmuma]

the rib pain was horrendus for me in late preg... one thing i dont miss. it was a constant pain that would get worse... ! no its not your bra im afraid!! its your little one!!! x

[catsypug]

I'm 34 weeks with no 2 as well - and I'm going through the same thing. So my sympathies for you!

Don't remember this first time round. I've found sitting up straight on the sofa with my right arm out to the side (along the top of the cushions of the sofa) is the only way I can comfortable.

It's horrible so thank god the end is in sight now!