Pain in the right costal arch during pregnancy | Pain in the right costal arch – that’s what’s behind it

Pain in the right costal arch during pregnancy

As part of the physical changes during pregnancy, pain may also occur in the area of the right costal arch. The abdominal musculature starts at the ribs, among others, and is stretched and strained very much during pregnancy. This enormous pull on the muscles can cause pain.

Furthermore, the increase in size of the child can also be the cause of the complaints. Due to the further growing abdominal girth, the organs are densely packed together and also pressed upwards. This can lead to irritation of the liver and the well innervated diaphragm, which can be painful.

But also kicks of the baby into this area can be very unpleasant for a short time. Another possibility is the so-called HELLP syndrome, which can occur during pregnancy and is a problem of the liver. It is a serious gestosis that is accompanied by an increase in liver values, an increase in the size of the liver and a drop in platelets.

In addition to high blood pressure, protein excretion in urine also occurs. The enlargement of the liver in the course of this disease can cause pain. In the case of HELLP syndrome, the pregnant woman should be well monitored and often the aim is to terminate the pregnancy as soon as possible by a caesarean section.

Rib pain when breathing in

Breathing is a muscle-controlled process in which, in addition to the diaphragm, so-called auxiliary breathing muscles located in the region of the thorax can also be involved. These muscles can be pulled, torn or tense, but they can also be painful as a result of strength training or incorrect weight-bearing. Not infrequently, after a prolonged cough in the context of bronchitis, the respiratory muscles can become sore.

When coughing, the otherwise weakly developed muscles between the ribs cause forced exhalation through spontaneous tension. Inhalation also causes a movement of the thorax and a displacement of the organs of the chest and upper abdomen. In case of already existing painful complaints, inflammations or injuries, inhalation can aggravate and provoke the pain. In the case of a rib fracture, for example, inhalation can be so painful due to the shifting of the edges of the fracture that breathing becomes difficult.