Q: “I am 33 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing a pain at the top of my bump. Is this normal?”
A: The most likely cause of your pain is compression of your lower ribs by your enlarging uterus. This usually occurs sometime after 30 weeks of pregnancy, can be one-sided or bilateral, and is often worse when sitting. The pain disappears completely as soon as the uterus stops pressing on the ribs. This may occur when the baby’s head engages in the pelvis or when labour begins.
Unfortunately, there is no definite cure apart from delivery. Standing and lying flat are usually the most comfortable positions and often women find it easier to live with once they are reassured that there is nothing serious causing the pain.
If your pain is severe, or you have other symptoms that concern you, it would be wise to see your doctor to exclude other causes of pain in the upper abdomen.
Dr Jo Lee, Babyworld Doctor.
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