What to know about rib pain during pregnancy   Reviewed by Jenna Fletcher & Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA Women can often experience a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy. One common complaint is rib pain, which has several possible causes that vary by trimester. In most cases, the cause of rib pain is harmless. The growing fetus often causes aches and pains around the ribs due to their position in the womb. Less commonly, medical complications can cause rib pain, so it is important to know the warning signs. In this article, we look at what can cause rib pain in pregnancy, how to relieve the pain, and when to see a doctor. Causes and trimesters The most common causes of rib pain during pregnancy vary by trimester. In this section, we look at the possible causes and why they occur. Pressure from the growing fetus The position of the fetus in the womb can cause rib pain. In the late second trimester and third trimester, the uter...