[VeganMamaRed]

Hello! I am a few days shy of 28 weeks with my third pregnancy. About this point in the pregnancy, the bottom of my rib cage starts to get tingly and weird feeling whenever I am not laying down. It's very uncomfortable and strange. I had this with both previous pregnancies. I am only 5 feet tall so I am guessing that it's just plain a case of not enough space but I don't really know. Does this happen to anyone else?

 

[Annie Mac]

Hi VeganMamaRed, I'm 5 feet tall too, and have found this pregnancy (now 34 weeks) to be uncomfortable for my ribs, and that it does generally lessen if I lie down -- for a while, then I have to change sides. But I don't have any tingling. What it feels like for me is that my ribs, on the bottom and the sides, are bruised. I think the same thing as you -- not enough space.

 

[Tenk]

I'm not experiencing any tingling in my lower ribs, but wanted to offer you a hug. I'm sorry your going thru this, and I hope that someone else is able to come on and give you some other "real life" experiences of their own.

 

[Starfish11]

I'm a shortie mama, too

I experienced with this my DD but she was breech until about this time. I bet that it's not the case with you, though, and that you are right on about running out of room.

 

[OrchideZ]

Oh geez sounds tough

sending you mamas dealing this a hug.

 

[poetgirl]

Yes, me too! I've been having this problem for quite a while. In fact, it's pretty much the only real ache and pain I have, but ugh. I keep doing gentle upper back stretches and doing some self-massage around the fleshy part beneath the sternum.

 

[VeganMamaRed]

I think it really is a case of running out of room. I find it a little alarming that I still have two months to go where baby is only going to get bigger! I carried much lower with DD and DS1 and I didn't get the numb rib thing until further on in the pregnancy. For whatever reason I am carrying much higher this time and it is already starting to be uncomfortable. That's my only complaint in terms of discomfort so I guess I can't really complain!

 

[theoldmommers]

Baby could be pressing against one of the nerves supplying your intercostal (between the rib) muscles. I imagine that would give a tingling numbish feeling similar to an arm or leg going to sleep because of awkward positioning. When you lay down the pressure eases up. Good luck!

 

[d_lighted]

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoldmommers Baby could be pressing against one of the nerves supplying your intercostal (between the rib) muscles. I imagine that would give a tingling numbish feeling similar to an arm or leg going to sleep because of awkward positioning. When you lay down the pressure eases up. Good luck!

I haven't experienced this, but I'm shortwaisted and the past week have noticed a huge increase in heartburn and acid reflux - I think it's just getting more cramped! I'm quoting theoldmommers cause her theory makes me think a chiropractor might be able to provide some relief and help you indentify where you can self-massage or use accupressure to relieve the pressing. I guess a massage therapist could do the same - I'm just more familiar with chiros. HTH!

 

[kat.c.stevens]

I am 5'1" and have a short waist and long legs, so I feel your pain. My ribs started aching at around 26 weeks (I am now 29 weeks) and they seemed to ache more when baby was having growth spurts, so I also attribute it to lack of space in there!

One thing that helped me, besides laying down, is doing regular side-bend type stretches and trying to keep good posture when sitting during the day. I also (finally!) went out and bought some new bras with a wider ribcage allowance (went from a 32" to a 36"- yikes!). You could also try bra strap extenders, too. Once your ribs get used to the larger space, the pain should subside until the next growth spurt. Hope you feel better soon!