In pain - what to do :-(

[PumpkinPie2013]

I'm 34 weeks (first pregnancy) and I know some aches and pains are to be expected especially at this stage as baby is getting bigger (and I'm tiny in build).

However, for the past couple of weeks my sternum has been incredibly painful as has my right rib cage.

My ribs feel really bruised but baby has got it's foot in them so I think that's what's causing that.

The sternum however seems to be getting worse no matter how I sit I can't get comfortable, tried warm baths which help while I'm in there but not once I get out, birthing ball sometimes helps a bit but not always and only when I'm on it. Taken some paracetomol which take the edge off but nothing else.

Yesterday and last night was agony and I've barely slept because it was so painful and made my whole chest ache/hurt

I'm also getting aches in the area above my pubic bone but baby is head down and quite low so I appreciate this is probably caused by that.

Baby is moving fine so not worried about that but not sure whether to ring gp/mw this morning about this pain? I don't want to waste their time if it's just part of pregnancy but I'm really suffering with it

Not sure how common it is but I got this sternum pain at about 36 weeks as did one of my friends. It didn't last too long for me but think she's still getting a bit of pain a few weeks on, almost as if ribs are going to split apart. Unfortunately neither if us found anything to help so would be interested to know if anyone can suggest anything. I feel for you, think that pain was the worst side effect of pregnancy for me, just hope it clears up quickly for you x

Do ring. If you can't sleep it's something you need help with.

Sternum pain can have a number of causes. I get it with anaemia. It could also be a chest infection, or something else.

Good luck.

Thanks both and sorry you have/are suffering too

I've managed to get a doctors appointment this morning so will see what they say.

I'll report back

Well I went to the gp who said they didn't know!

So ended up at antenatal. They said it's the uterus pushing up and baby moving so much causing bruising!

Gave me some gaviscon and paracetomol.

They said it should ease when baby engages

Good news.