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...

What are the Causes of swollen hands Reviewed by Claire Sissons & Elaine K. Luo, MD Swelling happens when fluid builds up inside tissues. Numerous factors can cause it, including temperature change and underlying conditions. If swollen hands are due to a medical issue, treating it should resolve the swelling. A person may notice their fingers or hands appearing larger than usual. The skin may look puffy or shiny, and a dent may appear when a person presses the skin. Swelling in the hands often goes away without treatment. Making some lifestyle changes can help to reduce the frequency of swelling. Swollen hands may occur at certain times of day or have a link to particular activities. Making a note of when swelling happens can help pinpoint the cause. It may be a good idea to keep a record of the time of day and circumstances when the hands appear swollen. Some simple home remedies can reduce swelling in the hands. Treatment aims to encourage fluid to flow thro...

6 Reasons Your Period Cramps Hurt so Bad—Other Than PMS by Women's Health If you're the proud owner of a uterus, you're likely well acquainted with cramps. But to understand why you get them in the first place, it's helpful to think of the uterus like a huge muscle (because, well, basically it is)—and it gets a pretty big workout during your period. “Uterine lining builds up over the course of your cycle, and the uterus responds with cramping as a method to control the bleeding [during menstruation],” says Christine Masterson, M.D., chief of the women and children’s service line at Summit Medical Group in New Jersey “If you have a lot of menstrual blood or a blood clot, sometimes the uterus will cramp to expel that.” How Gynecologists Soothe Their Own Period Cramps Most of the time, painful period cramps are super inconvenient, but pretty much NBD...until they're not, like if they affect your daily functioning, says Masterson. So how can you tell t...