Postpartum Joint, Chest and Back Aches

[FirstTimeMum072025]

Does anyone else experience joint aches postpartum? Particularly upper back pain/aches and chest heaviness/a dull sensation in their chest? Really hoping I’m not alone in feeling so achey postpartum! I’m 4.5 months since baby girl’s arrival

Yes I had terrible aches after having my middle child. I was so incredibly stiff in the mornings. In my case it seems to be an autoimmune disease triggered by his birth (he’s 8 now, took long time to get to the conclusion!) but could simply be some vitamin or mineral lacking!

First stop would be blood tests I reckon. Also obvious but make sure you’re changing up how you’re holding and carrying the baby, and make sure you’re not sleeping in an awkward position if co sleeping. Make sure you’re in a comfy position for feeding etc x

I think some aches and pains are normal but chest heaviness should be checked out because of the risk of a Pulmonary Embolism. Please call 111 OP.

I felt battered after my 1st for around 6 months. Four months postpartum with my 2nd and my joints and muscles still ache. It’s getting better as time passes.

Hormones, joint movement, hip & rib cage expansion have all happened during pregnancy. It’s a rough ride and takes time to return to normal.

If you have any concerns though, definitely go see your GP.

I also had some of the symptoms you describe after my first child. It took me a year to get to a doctor and when I finally did, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Probably triggered by my pregnancy.

please see a doctor

I unfortunately did develop PE’s at 13 days post partum but luckily have been treated for them. Was hoping maybe other women had experienced rib cage pain in back and chest so it’s normal part of post partum recovery x

Blood tests have all been fine thankfully! What way do you find carrying baby easiest to ease the aches and pains? She has good head control x

Did your rib cage feel achey in your chest and back? I’ve seen GP and they say it’s just part of post partum recovery but want to hear from other mums to ease my mind that it is just that x

Sorry to hear that, must be tough! My doctor says the aches are just normal postpartum recovery but looking to hear other mums’ experiences x

Yes my rib cage hurt so much!! I’d forgotten about that actually (kids are teens now) but yes…a sort of burning ache for quite a long time. It was horrible!

It took your body 9 months to grow your baby, it will take at least that same time for your body to recover. Carrying a baby, breast feeding, nappy changing, nighttime waking, all these things impact your body too. I suffered terribly for about a year after having my first baby.
You need to use a changing table instead of kneeling on the floor to change baby, bend your knees when putting baby in their cot, try not to twist your body when lifting baby up. Does your GP have an MSK therapist? They could give you some useful strengthening exercises that will help.

Not so much at the front, but did for the first couple of months like I’d been kicked. Still aches at the back though.