Why does the ribs under the chest hurt when pregnant?

Experts say that it is a common phenomenon for pregnant women to experience rib pain under the chest, because as the fetus gradually grows, the uterus will also become larger, and the organs in the abdominal cavity will slowly be compressed, resulting in symptoms of rib pain. Expectant mothers don’t need to worry, this situation will not occur again after giving birth. Pay more attention to rest during pregnancy and try to sleep on your left side.

1. Why does the ribs under the chest of pregnant women hurt?

This situation often happens. It is generally better to sleep on the left side. In the late pregnancy, the uterus rotates to the right. Lying on the left side can improve the degree of right rotation of the uterus, thereby reducing uterine vascular tension, increasing placental blood flow, and improving the oxygen supply to the fetus in the uterus, which is beneficial to the growth and development of the fetus. This is normal because during pregnancy the uterus enlarges, pushing up the internal organs in the abdominal cavity, irritating the diaphragm and causing pain in the lower chest and liver area. It is currently believed that these are normal symptoms during pregnancy. There is no need to worry. These symptoms will disappear after delivery. Now you just need to rest assured and protect the fetus.

2. The best sleeping position in late pregnancy - lying on the left side

1. Sleeping on the left side can reduce the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the aorta and iliac artery of pregnant women, maintain normal blood flow in the uterine artery, ensure blood supply to the placenta, and provide the fetus with the nutrients needed for growth and development.

2. Pregnant women sleeping on their left side can reduce the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the inferior vena cava and increase the blood flow returning to the heart. The increase in the amount of blood returning to the heart can increase the blood flow to the kidneys, improve the blood supply to the brain tissue, and help avoid and alleviate the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

3. In the late pregnancy, the uterus rotates to the right. Sleeping on the left side can improve the degree of right rotation of the uterus, thereby reducing uterine vascular tension, increasing placental blood flow, improving the oxygen supply to the fetus in the uterus, and promoting fetal growth and development. This is of great significance for reducing the birth of low-birth-weight babies and reducing perinatal mortality. Especially when the fetus is growth-retarded, sleeping on the left side can achieve better treatment results.