Entering the third trimester, the weight of pregnant women and fetuses will usually continue to increase. Along with increasing weight and During pregnancy, pregnant women may experience pain in the ribs. To overcome this, see the tips in this article.
The last trimester starts from the 28th week of pregnancy. At this time, the fetal head may have started to head downwards to find the birth canal. In addition, the fetus will usually be more active in moving, kicking, and stretching its body.
Causes of Painful Ribs
During pregnancy, the rib cage will usually widen. This aims to provide space for the lungs of pregnant women so that air exchange is not difficult to do.
Then, what exactly? the hell What causes rib pain during pregnancy? Here's the explanation:
1. Hormones
During pregnancy, the hormones progesterone and relaxin will help relax and loosen the muscles and ligaments in the pregnant woman's body, but this can also increase the risk of developing pain in some parts of the pregnant woman's body, including the ribs.
2. Fetal kick
Usually, the increase in weight and size of the fetus will make the kick even stronger. Kicks and movements that are getting stronger and more frequent can also cause pregnant women's ribs to feel sore.
3. The uterus continues to grow
The increasing weight of the fetus in the womb will be followed by an increase in the size of the uterus. This enlargement of the uterus can put pressure on the diaphragm and the ribs of pregnant women, causing pain in the ribs.
4. Increase in breast size
Entering the third trimester, pregnant women's breast size will also increase. This can cause pain not only in the ribs, but also in the back and shoulders. Pregnant women can gain about 0.5 to 1.4 kilograms of breast weight. This change in breast weight occurs in preparation for later milk production.
How to Overcome Rib Pain during Pregnancy
To deal with painful ribs during pregnancy, here are some ways that pregnant women can do:
1. Change body position
The fetus may twist or change position. When changing positions suddenly, he can perform movements including kicking the pregnant woman's ribs, causing pain in the rib area.
To overcome this, pregnant women can try to change positions. If pregnant women are sitting, it never hurts to stand for a while until it feels comfortable and sit back down. Pregnant women can also sit while stretching their legs forward, add a pillow behind the pregnant woman's back.
Changing this position can reduce pain and make pregnant women and fetuses feel comfortable.
2. Do regular exercise
Staying active can help pregnant women feel relaxed and comfortable. It is also able to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to keep exercising for 30 minutes every day or several days a week.
The types of sports that pregnant women can do are swimming, walking, Kegel exercises, and also yoga. To be safer, pregnant women can also consult a doctor first so that they are given a choice of the type of exercise that suits the pregnant woman's condition.
3. Move slowly
In order not to fall or maybe feel pain in certain body parts, pregnant women are advised to do all activities carefully and slowly. For example, do not walk in a hurry or change positions quickly. If you feel tired, take a break and take a good breath.
4. Wear loose and comfortable clothes
Pregnant women should also pay attention to the clothes used. Do not use tight clothing, because it can limit the range of motion, causing shortness of breath, as well as rib pain. Choose loose-fitting clothes with breathable fabrics.
5. Weight control
Pregnancy is not an excuse for not paying attention to weight. When pregnant, still choose nutritious foods and don't be full but lack nutrients. Indiscriminate selection of food and drink can cause pregnant women to increase their body weight drastically, compared to before pregnancy. you know. Excess weight during pregnancy can also cause back pain, ribs, difficulty moving, and shortness of breath.
If the pain in the ribs does not go away after pregnant women do the things above, then it never hurts to consult a gynecologist so that they are given safe treatment.
