Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What is happening to me?!

Weird spasms under my rib cage.  It didnt start until about 7 weeks.  I am 9 weeks now.
Is this normal or does anyone even know what this is??
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
9442948 tn?1406816451
Haha!!!!!! No your fine, i got those spasms by my right hip all the time. It's normal
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you! :)  it was starting to freak me out and I had a crazy bad thought that the baby was swimming around and got stuck under my rib cage like a little mermaids movie gone wrong lol
Helpful - 0
9442948 tn?1406816451
Oops don't read from baby blues down, i accidentally copied that too, but it was just supposed to be the top.
It's just spasms from stretching and making room:)
Helpful - 0
9442948 tn?1406816451
I read this on livestrong.com


Pregnancy comes with wonderful surprises -- the first time you feel your baby move, for example. Some surprises, however, aren't so wonderful. You probably expected your back to ache and your ankles to swell, but rib pain and muscles spasms may be unexpected -- and unwelcome --surprises. Stretching may help relieve the pain. Be sure to talk to your gynecologist before you start, as she will be able to guide you to a plan of action that is best for both you and your baby.

Swipe here to continue

BABY BLUES

Pregnancy does a number on your body, but that's to be expected -- growing a new life is not easy. As your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, the uterus stretches and expands, moving out of the pelvic cavity and into the lower ribcage. At this point, the ribs shift to allow the expansion to happen, and this affects the diaphragm and the chest muscles that surround the ribcage as well. These muscles may become irritated from all the shifting going on, or from the change in your center of gravity. In addition, depending on the position of the baby, you may feel pain in the rib cage when he kicks or presses on the area. Muscle spasms and cramps in the legs are very common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and they are thought to be caused by a combination of weight gain, poor blood circulation, and possibly an excess or lack of certain vitamins and minerals.

CREATE SOME SPACE

Stretching helps to create space in the ribcage and can relieve some of the stiffness that may be occurring in the diaphragm and chest muscles. Lift the ribs and diaphragm off the uterus and give the baby some space by doing a simple stretch. Stand about 15 inches from a wall, facing the wall. Then, lift your arms and cross your forearms in front of you in the shape of an "X." Lean forward and place your crossed forearms on the wall in front of you. Slide them up the wall as far as you can go, trying to get them above your head. Then, hold that position for as long as you can, releasing it when you begin to feel uncomfortable.

STRETCH THE CHEST

Stretching your chest muscles can help reduce the likelihood of spasms and cramps near the ribcage. Stretching also helps improve circulation. To gently stretch the muscles in your chest, stand in an empty doorway and grab each side. Your hands should be at shoulder level and slightly bent. Then, carefully lean forward until you can feel the pull in your chest. When you feel the pull, stop and count to 10 or 20, depending on how comfortable you feel. Then, release the position, breath a few moments, and repeat the stretch and release four more times.

SOOTHE LEG PAIN

Sadly, spasms and cramps in the legs are most common when you're trying to get some sleep. When spasms strike, relieve the pain by flexing your feet -- point your toes and then bring them back towards your shin. In addition, do some stretching exercises before you go to bed, as this can help prevent leg muscle spasms and cramps. Stand about two feet from a wall, facing it. Place your hands flat against the wall, and then lean forward, but keep your heels down on the floor. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and then let it go for a count of five. Repeat the stretch two more times. If you experience pain or muscle spasms that are severe, last for a long time or make you feel as if you can't catch your breath, see your physician as soon as possible.

REFERENCES

Bumpstuff: What Are the Causes of Rib Cage Pain in Pregnancy?

BellyBelly.com: 5 Print Friendly and PDF 16 Common Side Effects During Pregnancy

What to Expect: Stretching Exercises During Pregnancy

You just viewed Pregnancy Stretches for Rib Pain and Muscle
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Usually im laying down when it happens
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.