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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Pain under left rib radiating to back anyone?

18 replies

shelbTa · 03/05/2016 17:48

Hi ladies

Debating on whether to trouble a GP with this or suck it up as a pregnancy complaint - I'm 23 weeks.

For about 1.5 months, particularly after eating, I get an incredibly sharp pain under my left rib cage that radiates to my back on the same side. Only standing up or lying flat relieves it. I don't think it's indigestion as no remedies touch it.

Anyone else had this? Wondering whether to go to GP or not - if it's likely just to be growing baby bunching everything up I'll just leave it...

OP posts:

Oreganoooo · 03/05/2016 18:06

Sounds like gallbladder to me. I had a similar thing during my pregnancy and it turned out to be gallstones. Before diagnosis I was also checked for a possible Pulmonary Embolism (which it wasn't) just to be on the safe side.

Please see your GP with these symptoms just to be safe.

Andbabymakesthree · 03/05/2016 18:09

Gall bladder I reckon. Ask for a scan. Pregnancy aggravates it. Try altering diet too so it's lower fat if it's gallstones.

mangocoveredlamb · 03/05/2016 18:13

Third vote for gallbladder!

frazzled24 · 03/05/2016 18:20

But isn't the gallbladder on the right? I only know because I have right sided pain and one of the things they're querying is gallbladder. I think it can affect your pancreas though that runs all the way across so maybe that's what people are talking about?

3luckystars · 03/05/2016 18:20

Gall bladder I would say.

IamChipmunk · 03/05/2016 19:45

Could just be rib pain from sitting?
I am pregnant with DC2, in my first pregnancy I got terrible left sided rib pain, also going round to my back. Sometimes also right but mostly just left.
Was only when I was sitting. I found driving to be the worst despite messing with my seat trying different positions and moving the back support about.

I'm 28 weeks now and again getting the rib/back pain, only on the left this time but it's definitely just from sitting. Again driving is the worst.

I think it's just my ribs moving. Definitely nothing to do with my gallbladder. It stopped as soon as I gave birth!

That said it's probably worth asking the Dr if you are concerned.

JessieMcJessie · 03/05/2016 19:59

Funny you should mention this as I have been suffering from rib pain recently (I'm 23 weeks tomorrow). It's tenderness ON rather than under the rib, sort of bra line high and fairly close to the centre but it does seem to ebb and flow and get worse after eating. Like others here (particularly since it was on the right) I suspected gallbladder so went to the GP. He said it seemed too high up/central to be gallbladder, and that tenderness would be below the ribs if it was that, but he has referred me for a scan anyway. Since then I've been researching a bit more and suspect possibly costochondritis which is painful but not serious inflammation of the ribs/ cartilage and seems sometimes to be caused/aggravated by pregnancy.

Original poster

shelbTa · 03/05/2016 20:14

Thanks everyone for getting back to me. I guess I should really see the GP seeing your comments - it's just an endless line of time off for medical appointments though isn't it pregnancy!

I'm just about to eat something now and bracing for the pain afterwards.

Thanks ladies

OP posts:

JessieMcJessie · 03/05/2016 20:30

Do let us know what is eventually diagnosed. Good luck!

AyeAmarok · 03/05/2016 20:47

Bollocks. I have this on my right side, exactly the same and worse after eating. I thought it was heartburn! This thread has me worried.

whiteychappers · 10/05/2016 17:13

I had pains like this and it was constipation, particularly worse having had fatty foods. Had lots of tests at hospital and they couldn't find anything. Since I've been taking things for constipation, not had I as much.

Glitterspy · 10/05/2016 17:38

I was going to say indigestion but I don't know about gall bladders. Try Gaviscon, if it works then you have your answer. If not then try the doctor.

verytiredmummy1 · 10/05/2016 18:17

Kidney?

verytiredmummy1 · 10/05/2016 18:18

I have Hydronephrosis and it is a bit like this x

bessie84 · 10/05/2016 18:51

i've had this for WEEKS, just left hand side only for me, radiates up ribs to shoulder blade, bra strap area. only laying down eases it. worse after eating/drinking or walking. had various bloods/ECG ect. FINALLY started on antibiotics for suspected respiratory infection.

gall bladder is right hand side bottom of ribs (i had mine removed couple years ago)

they told me if pain doesnt go after antibiotics to go back for chest x-ray/scan. so hopefully these do the trick.

i know a few people post about similar pain due to carry baby high up and them squashing lungs. but im carrying soooooooo low (31 weeks)

hope youve seen someone OP.

Original poster

shelbTa · 12/05/2016 15:53

Just to report back ladies - gp isn't concerned in the slightest, says it's probably all my insides bunching up against my ribs. Can't wait for the next three months now as everything gets more squashed, especially as I'm sat at a desk 9-5!!!

Thanks for your support.

OP posts:

AyeAmarok · 12/05/2016 18:44

Thanks for letting us know, glad it's nothing to worry about!

bessie84 · 12/05/2016 20:32

glad your ok shelbta.

im on day 4 of antibiotics and its starting to fade a bit now. hope it eases for you x

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