Rib Pain
Pain under ribs as growing uterus pushes upward and baby kicks.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Third trimester, typically after 28 weeks
📊 How Common
Very common in third trimester
Overview
Rib pain is a common complaint in the third trimester as your growing uterus pushes up against your rib cage. You may feel soreness, pressure, or sharp pain under your ribs, especially on the right side.
As your baby grows and runs out of room, kicks and movements can hit your ribs, causing sudden sharp pains. The pain may worsen when sitting or after eating, as your full stomach and expanding uterus compete for space.
While uncomfortable, rib pain is normal and doesn't indicate a problem. It often improves in the last few weeks when baby "drops" into the pelvis in preparation for birth, giving your ribs some relief.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Not present
Second Trimester
May begin late second trimester
Third Trimester
Very common until baby drops
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Uterus pushing up against rib cage
- •Baby kicking or pressing on ribs
- •Rib cage expanding to make room
- •Ligaments between ribs stretching
- •Poor posture from weight of belly
- •Pressure from full stomach after eating
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Maintain good posture (sit up straight)
- ✓Raise arms above head to lift uterus off ribs
- ✓Change positions frequently
- ✓Sleep propped up with pillows
- ✓Wear loose clothing
- ✓Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- ✓Try prenatal yoga stretches
- ✓Apply warm compress
- ✓Gentle massage
- ✓Use pregnancy pillow for support
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe, persistent pain under right rib
- ⚠Pain with vision changes or headache (preeclampsia)
- ⚠Difficulty breathing
- ⚠Pain spreading to shoulder
- ⚠Fever with rib pain
- ⚠Pain not relieved by position changes
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: