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Pregnancy

Pain and numbness in rib cage area

7 replies

planttheonions · 19/02/2010 15:55

During second pregnancy I had horrendous pain and numbness in one side of rib cage. At first midwife thought this was due to lo being breech (wasn't) so I was referred for accupuncture which didnt help very much at all.
I used wheat bags and hot water bottles to help alleviate the pain but nothing really helped.
I used to make sure I walked a fair bit each day but not too far.
Now, I am 29 weeks pregnant with 3rd child. I am starting to get the same pains and I am dreading the resulting pain and discomfort which I know is just around the corner. Not only for me, as it made me so bad tempered and miserable as I was in constant pain.

Has anyone experienced this and did anything help?
Thanks

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hippychick66 · 19/02/2010 19:14

I had rib pain on one side only in my first preg. I found wearing one of those support bands that goes under the bump and round your back really helped. It stopped the weight of my bump pulling on my ribs.

It's weird cos I had the numbness too and have never met anyone else who had it. I was told it was my rib cage expanding. My ribs never went back and I've measured 40" under by boobs ever since. No pain in second preg though.

Good luck, hope the band works for you if you decide to try it.

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planttheonions · 19/02/2010 22:43

hippychick66 - thank you for the post, I have mentioned it before to people, but they have not known what I meant either.
I will definately try one of the support bands you mention - I am willing to give anything a go!

Thanks again

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JaMmRocks · 19/02/2010 22:45

I had this, but apparently it was a symptom of the pre eclampsia I was suffering with.

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FatSeal · 20/02/2010 00:18

I haven't got a tip, I'm afraid, but will say that I get tingling and numbness in one particular area of my ribs (left side). It's a bit sporadic though, so I assume it's due to the baby pressing on a nerve or blood vessel, and if I shift around in bed or stand up I can usually get it to stop.

Sounds horrible though, hope hippychick's belt idea works for you.

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planttheonions · 20/02/2010 23:03

Thanks for your support.
It is my right side that is affected. Unfortunately moving around doesnt help
Am ordering a support band tomorrow.

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BonjourIvressedeNoel · 21/02/2010 20:32

Pain in the ribs can be a sign of a rare but very dangerous form of pre-eclampsia called HELLP. You should go and get your blood pressure checked asap and make sure you ask the medical professional - "how do you know its not HELLP?"

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planttheonions · 21/02/2010 22:07

Bonjour - thanks for that information - I will speak to midwife asap. I tend to have low bp, so will get it checked.

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