Painful ab/rib muscles, third trimester - anyone else?

[CC81]

Hi all, hope you can help to reassure me!

I'll be 28 weeks on Monday - but it's twins, so more like 32 weeks, size-wise.

I've had AWFUL muscle pains in my abs and rib area for the last week, especially in the evenings (after a day of lugging my bump around). Too high for ligament pains or pelvic pain.

These pains are triggered by movement, which is why I'm 90% sure they're muscular, not internal. They're aggravated by simple stuff like bending over the sink, shifting position while sitting, or reaching for things. It's like a sharp cramp/spasm feeling that can last up to a minute, then the area is tender to touch.

Does anyone else get this?

Also, for the last 4-6 weeks my bump has started to feel extremely 'stretched'. It feels weirdly off-balance, too - like things are in the wrong place sometimes. Hard to explain! It seems impossible that there's another 9 weeks to go! (Planned c-section at 37 weeks, which is full term for twins.)

I never felt this uncomfortable in my last pregnancy, even though my baby was 11lbs 3oz at birth. At nearly 42 weeks, I was still doing long walks on the day of induction! Can't imagine that now - I'm struggling to get around the house and garden sometimes.

I went to MAU with rib pain, they immediately checked for pre-eclampsia but it wasn’t that. Just feet up in my rib cage. DD has very long legs! Have you had it checked out? X

@mamaatthegym - No, but I have a scan on Monday (28w) so hope that'll confirm no problems! It's the wrong side for pre-eclampsia (on my left). It only hurts when I move in certain ways!

Glad yours was nothing to worry about.

@CC81 yes!!! I have it weirdly when sitting - in the back of my ribs - about 5 ribs up!

My tummy feels extremely tight and stretched today. I had some period pains last night and what I’m guessing are Braxton Hicks. I feel as though my body isn’t long enough for my baby to grow - as silly as it sounds 🤣. I’m 33 weeks now.

Hope you’re feeling okay xx

Im having the same! 28weeks - first baby. Feels like a weird tingling /numb pain under my bottom left rib. Have a midwife appt and 28w scan appt next week so going to ask about it then. Im also hoping its just feet!

I have this pain as well, 27 weeks with just the one. I have a midwife appointment on Tuesday and I'll be asking about it. It is so annoying and sore.

I’m having this too. Currently 32 weeks and it’s so painful. Like a stabbing/burning sensation just at the bottom of my left ribs, under my boob. It’s particularly worse at night or if I’m slouched on the sofa etc. I mentioned it to my midwife last week only to be told it’ll get worse and it’s all part of being pregnant 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think it’s mainly because baby is still so high up, once it drops a little I’m hoping it’ll improve! Currently finding sleep so difficult as the pain wakes me up. I only get relief lying on my back which you’re not supposed to do. It’s bloody awful!

Thanks everyone - it's so good to know I'm not alone! But sorry you're getting it too - it's horrible.

Mine is definitely worse in the evenings, when trying to get comfortable on the sofa, or in bed. Then if I'm getting undressed or go to the loo and move awkwardly, it's sudden agony!

I rang triage earlier and they agreed that it sounds muscular (rather than anything internal).

@Nat4392

I’m having this too. Currently 32 weeks and it’s so painful. Like a stabbing/burning sensation just at the bottom of my left ribs, under my boob. It’s particularly worse at night or if I’m slouched on the sofa etc. I mentioned it to my midwife last week only to be told it’ll get worse and it’s all part of being pregnant 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think it’s mainly because baby is still so high up, once it drops a little I’m hoping it’ll improve! Currently finding sleep so difficult as the pain wakes me up. I only get relief lying on my back which you’re not supposed to do. It’s bloody awful!

Ahh I’m getting the same! It’s my left rib just under my boob too. Mine feels inflamed or something!! And definitely worse at night/when in bed. I’m 36 weeks tomorrow and have mentioned it to the midwife last appointment but they just guessed his head could be there since I told them I don’t get any kicking movements that side. They said they would write it down and mention to the doctor and let me know what they say.. haven’t heard back but will mention it again next appointment. It is very uncomfortable!!! I don’t remember getting this rub pain constantly with my first pregnancy

Rib*

Encouraging news - had a bit of improvement over the last couple of days (after 7-10 days of pretty bad pain).

Might be the strained muscle healing, or that I've got better at avoiding the movements that aggravate it, or that I've rested more, or that the baby on that side has moved. Or a mix of all those things.

I'm prepared for it getting worse again if I'm not careful.

But it shows there is hope!