Costochondral separation and pregnancy

[Littlebluefishes]

I suffer with an old injury called Costochondral Separation - one of my ribs was pushed and permanently separated from the cartilage in an accident when I was 18. They rub together often, e.g. when taking deep breaths, but also stretching, bending down and picking up heavy items. This causes inflammation and scar tissue.

We want to start trying for a baby soon but I don't know how being pregnant will affect me. I have recently seen a thoracic surgeon who can remove a bit of bone but there are no guarantees this will help and it may even make things worse.

Does anyone else have experience of being pregnant with this type of injury or similar? Or has anyone had this type of surgery pre-pregnancy?

I am well aware of the pressure people can feel on their ribs when pregnant, let alone when baby kicks and would expect some discomfort, but I need to make a decision about whether or not I should have this surgery.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Littlebluefishes,

Just seen this message, just wondered if you had started trying for a baby yet and how the rib issue was going? I have a two week old son and from month 7 of pregnancy have a grinding and popping sensation in my chest which we hoped would go after giving birth but has become even more of a problem. Just wondering if you had any ideas or tips on how to manage this type of pain. My brother is a medical student and said it feels like my cartilage has separated.