Pain under the ribs at 37 weeks of pregnancy

May 11, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Aiming

Introduction

In late pregnancy, pain and discomfort may occur due to the large fetus and the enlarged uterus pressing on surrounding tissues. Trauma or external impact to the chest and rib area can also cause rib pain. Additionally, viral infections that invade the intercostal nerves can lead to nerve swelling, irritating the nerves and causing pain in the lower ribs and chest region.

Pregnancy refers to gestation. Chest and lower rib pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy is mostly caused by physiological factors, but it may also result from pathological conditions such as trauma or intercostal neuralgia. The underlying cause should be identified before appropriate treatment is initiated. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Physiological Causes

At 37 weeks of gestation, the pregnancy has entered the late stage. During this period, the fetus is relatively large, and the enlarged uterus may compress surrounding tissues, causing pain and discomfort. This type of pain can usually be relieved with local heat application and generally does not require specific treatment.

2. Pathological Causes

a. Trauma

Injury or external impact to the chest or rib area can also lead to rib pain. Local heat application may help alleviate symptoms. If the pain is severe, analgesics such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or acetaminophen tablets may be taken under medical supervision.

b. Intercostal Neuralgia

This condition occurs when a viral infection affects the intercostal nerves, leading to nerve edema. Irritation of these nerves can cause pain in the lower ribs of the chest. Local heat therapy may provide relief, and medications such as mecobalamin tablets or vitamin B12 tablets may be taken according to medical advice to support nerve repair and relieve discomfort.

In addition to the above causes, pain may also stem from conditions such as costochondritis, cholecystitis, or angina pectoris. It is recommended to get adequate rest, avoid strenuous exercise, and seek evaluation and treatment at the obstetrics and gynecology department of a hospital to determine the exact cause.

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