Gallbladder Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & What to Do

Question
I am about 30 weeks pregnant and I've been having saver pain under my right breast. I was in the hospital because I was in so much pain but the doc said that the test were fine. So they sent me home and nothing is better I am still having all this pain and I still feel miserable. My family doc is repeating my labs right now and I really hope the show something. So what I would like to know is this a common thing that the test will be ok but you can still have all the symptoms? I just have a hard time trusting that there is nothing wrong with me just cause the test say so. I feel like there must be a reason for me to be in all of this pain even if the tests do show it. So if you can help me out with some direction to go in that would be really helpful. Thank You Very Much,Sara

Answer
Dear Sara,

What you are experiencing is not at all unusual for your stage of pregnancy. Pain under the ribs just below the breasts is commonly felt during late pregnancy. As the uterus rises in the abdomen it compresses the ribs, and can cause them to feel sore and tender. Rib pain during pregnancy is most noticeable as you sit down, especially on the side the baby is lying. The discomfort can be aggravated as your baby hits its head, punches or kicks your ribcage. Rib pain is most commonly felt during the third trimester when the uterus has grown, sometime about week thirty.

Try to wear clothes that are loose and will not compress your ribs. Practice good posture, by sitting or standing up straight. You will probably find it uncomfortable to slump down onto your uterus and prefer sitting in high chairs with a straight back. When lying in bed or resting on the sofa, support yourself on cushions.

There's very little you can do to relieve the pain in your ribs as the uterus grows. Although you may have heard that it is dangerous to lift your arms above your head, your doctor can reassure you that lifting your ribcage off the uterus can provide you some relief. Practice stretching exercises and try lying on the side opposite of the pain when you are resting.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda