Rib pain in pregnancy, also called intercostal neuralgia, is a very common situation that usually arises after the 2nd trimester and is caused by inflammation of the nerves of this region, resulting in the appearance of other symptoms, such as muscle spasms and a tingling sensation in the skin.
These symptoms can happen as a consequence of hormonal changes typical of pregnancy, increased uterus or be due to inadequate posture and infections, since they can cause inflammation in the intercostal muscles or favor the compression of the nerves present at the site.
In the case of frequent pain in the rib during pregnancy, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that it is possible to have a physical examination and thus be identified the cause of the pain so that the most appropriate treatment is started. Self-medication is not indicated, since any treatment performed without medical advice during pregnancy can cause complications for the woman and the baby.
The main symptoms
The main symptom of intracostal neuralgia in pregnancy is the onset of pain, which:
- It is intense and is located in the rib or chest area;
- Iradia to the region under the ribs, shoulders or stomach;
- Keep themselves even during rest;
- Worse when making sudden movements, such as turning the body or lifting objects.
Frequent sweats, muscle spasms, fever and tingling sensation in the skin, for example, may also appear. Due to the symptoms, a woman can confuse neuralgia with heart problems, which can increase stress levels.
Thus, it is advisable to quickly consult the obstetrician to do diagnostic tests, such as X-ray, if necessary, to identify the problem and start treatment.
Causes of rib pain in pregnancy
Rib pain in pregnancy happens due to hormonal changes typical of pregnancy, which causes the body to start accumulating more fluids and swell, compressing the nerves. In addition, the increase in the uterus causes the diaphragm to rise and the volume of the chest decreases during breathing, reducing the space between the ribs, which further compresses the nerves that are in these spaces, causing intense pain.
However, this pain can also be caused by postural changes, lack of B vitamin in the body or virus infections, such as herpes, for example, being advised to consult the obstetrician to identify the correct problem and start the appropriate treatment.
How to relieve pain
During pregnancy, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics without medical indication is completely contraindicated, since they can impair the development of the baby. Thus, to relieve pain it is advisable to maintain rest whenever possible and ideally lie on a hard surface, such as a hard table or mattress, for example, because it avoids the movement of the ribs.
Using a brace during pregnancy also helps relieve pressure on the ribs and, therefore, can be used with the knowledge of the obstetrician.
In addition, the application of hot compresses on top of the ribs can also help, since it allows you to relax the muscles and prevent them from pressing the intercostal nerves. Alternative therapies, such as yoga or acupuncture, can be used during pregnancy, and may relieve symptoms of neuralgia in some pregnant women.
In case the pain in the ribs is being caused by some specific cause such as lack of vitamins or viral infections, the obstetrician will prescribe the necessary remedies, which may include the B vitamin complex to supply the lack of vitamins, or an antiviral to fight infection, for example.
Watch the following video and see how to relieve other pregnancy symptoms
Graduated in Physiotherapy by UNESA in 2006 with professional registration in CREFITO-2 no. 170751 – F.
