Extreme rib & chest pain

[DanniH]

Hi, im 33weeks pregnant with my second baby boy... i have been experiencing some EXTREME chest & rib pain in the last few weeks. i asked my midwife but she says its just everything stretching. my pan is getting so bad that i am loosing my breath & am in tears everytime my baby boy moves... under my breats gets really hot, stingy & itchy & gets very red because it is itchy & i scratch... i have tried creams & powders & different bra's etc & none work(i do not wear underwire)... im only short so i dont know if that is why... i cannot handle the pain anymore & would like to know what you think it could be & if it persists would there be a possibility of inducing me as i cannot handle it?

[aussiemidwife]

Hi DanniH - Welcome to the forum.

Has the symptoms changed since you've seen your midwife? Have you called her to let her know the pain is extreme? Have you seen a doctor or sort a second opinion? There can be many causes of the symptoms you have described. Itchiness and redness under your breasts could be a thrush infection for example. You will need an assessment to work out the cause of your chest pain and the rash under your breasts. I hope this helps.

[buderimosteopath]

You need to talk to your midwife and GP first. Providing they give you the all clear that nothing is wrong then call an osteopath as it could be a rib and vertebral restriction that has gone acute and can probably be helped quickly.

[ljmarsden]

Hi DanniH,

Welcome to the forum - I hope we can do our best to support you through your pregnancy on here.

I would certainly second the comments above and speak to your midwife again or GP.

Another thought I had - I experienced some rib pain during the third trimester of my last pregnancy. The ribs expand and move upwards during pregnancy as the baby grows bigger. Have you had a bra fitting recently? I know you say you have tried different bras but your bra size may have changed quite a lot from pre-pregnancy which is why a proper fitting may help. I found I needed a significantly different sized bra during my last pregnancy, and sometimes I couldn't wear a bra at all, in order to reduce the rib pain I had. However, I didn't experience this as extreme pain which is why I would contact your midwife again.

Best wishes,

LJ

[DanniH]

I have seen both a dr & my midwife today & i have been told to suck it up & get over it. The pain is horrible & i dont kno what else to do... Bub is 80% engaged but still up in my ribs ive even asked for an ultrasound to see if he is just big but they wont allow me to get 1 because i am measuring right. Im really stuck with ideas on what to do

[buderimosteopath]

You have got the all clear from GP and Midwife - call the Osteopath! Where do you live and I'll try to recommend someone for you. You do not need to suffer!

[DanniH]

Unfortunately at this point in time we cannot afford to see an osteopath i am situated in townsville in QLD & due to the constant pain i am finishing work within a week.

[buderimosteopath]

It sounds like your GP isn't very sympathetic, but I would ask if he /she refer you to a physiotherapist? There are some brilliant physios out there. I wish I was there to help you but am unfortunately a few hours away.
(07) 4775 5755 Dr Louise Mary in Gulliver, I'd recommend you ring them and ask if they know if Medicare can give you a care plan. They may know of funding ways so that you could be seen. You never know unless you ask. I have emailed them. But you do need to phone
I hope you are more comfortable soon. Take care.

[aussiemidwife]

Hi Danni - I am sorry you didn't get any answers from your midwife and doctors visit. As Roger said a physiotherapy appointment might be helpful. Sometimes the local hospital offers physiotherapists that specialise in pregnancy and you don't pay any out of pocket fees. Usually you need a doctors referral though. Did you try Prantal Powder under your breasts?