Hi ladies. I'm now 18+ 2 and am already getting backache (which I was expecting) BUT my ribs are also aching really bad! Is this normal!?

And if so, is it likely to stay until the delivery?

[Hidden]

Hey. I had rib pain, my midwife said its just where everything is expanding at quite a quick rate. I am 37 weeks tomorrow and the pain has only just settled down, I hav been using a hot water bottle and been doing some light swimming. I didnt want to take pain killers so tried to get rid of it naturally but if it gets too bad speak to gp or midwife and see what they say x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Okay I'll give those things ago. Thank you!x

[Envgirl]

Surprisingly rib pain is more common than you think, you hear a lot about back pain, but not so much about the ribs! I had rib pain, made worse when sitting in one position for a while, mine was terrible when I was driving longer distances. Try moving about and if you are sitting for long periods e.g. A a desk then do get up and walk about regularly. I also used to go to a quiet corner and lean over a chair to stretch my back out which helped. It does go and it does get better. Hope these tips work for you. X

[Hidden in reply to Envgirl]

Okay thank you it's such a pain, but all going to be worth it in the end!! x

[Mango401]

Yes I have had awful back pain! I found sleeping with a pillow between my legs helps. I have an old horse riding injury which really plays on my back aswell, so I got a pregnancy massage and it was fantastic! no pain since ive had the massage done! Also if it is really really awful ask your midwife about things to help, mines actually putting me into physiotherapy to help my back! You never know though, you might be lucky and it might settle down in upcoming weeks Hope you feel better soon x

[cheekymonkey3791]

Hey....I too was a rib pain sufferer, from week 16 until now and am 35 weeks! I saw my doc, I was told 6 months for a physio referral and was prescribed low dose co-codymol. I just took the odd day off work when the pain peaked and did a few half days with bosses agreement. Baby has now dropped down a bit so all pain in now focused in the pelvic and back region!! On the home straight now! Phew X

[Hidden]

Yoga helped me with back pain a lot. Unfortunately I don't have suggestions for the pain on the ribs. Potentially it is due to relaxin a hormone that softens your ligaments.

[cheekymonkey3791]

I think that same hormone relaxin is also responsible for my inner thigh pain & pubic split. All signs that we're getting ready!! Eek!!

I found the only time I got relief from the rib pain was laying down, the pain would take my breath away and reduce me to tears. I found watching your posture does help, no slouching, as I got bigger I tried smaller meals, was the same, there are exercises you can do and simple stretches lifting arms up.

Although I hear people say it's common there is little self help information available and when you do find an article it doesn't describe what your experiencing, I searched and searched for information as I did at one stage think it was going to force me on early maternity. Much of what I found was other women like us looking for answers and not getting them! Booo...

Hope it easies up a bit soon Kxx