Pain in the costal arch on one side

Pain in the right costal arch as well as in the left costal arch can occur due to stretching of the abdominal or respiratory muscles and is harmless in most cases.

Right-sided pain in the costal arch during pregnancy is usually caused by constriction of the liver and bile, which are shifted to the right upper abdomen below the costal arch as the child grows in the uterus. As a rule, the pain is harmless and is triggered, for example, by the movements of the child.
In very rare cases, HELLP syndrome can also be the cause of the pain. This is a serious pregnancy complication (so-called gestosis) that is in urgent need of treatment. It is usually accompanied by accompanying symptoms such as nausea, fever or diarrhoea.
Pain in the left costal arch can be caused by the baby’s kicks in the stomach or spleen and is also harmless in the vast majority of cases.
The shifting of the stomach upwards can lead to a so-called reflux into the esophagus, especially towards the end of pregnancy, which can cause burning pain in the area of the costal arch and behind the breastbone. These symptoms usually disappear on their own after delivery. A disorder of the spleen, which is normally not palpable and only increases in size when the patient is ill, should be clarified to rule out complications. In case of doubt, it is better to see a doctor once more than once too few.

Pain in the costal arch after pregnancy

After delivery, pain can often occur at the costal arch. The contractions and the delivery itself place maximum demands on the abdominal muscles, the respiratory muscles are also strained, and there can be sometimes severe irritation of the muscle attachments to the ribs. This manifests itself in respiratory or movement-related pain, but also in sensitivity to pressure and touch. The muscles should be allowed to rest for a few days, breathing exercises and gentle recovery gymnastics in the first days after delivery should always be adapted to the condition of the pregnant woman. After a few days, the abdominal muscles can begin to build up, which can be increased in the following weeks so that the stretched and strained abdominal muscles recover and regenerate.