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Published on: 8/20/2026

Is it common to have pain under right rib cage when pregnant?

Pain under the right rib cage is common during pregnancy. Hormonal shifts, acid reflux, ligament stretching, and pressure from the growing uterus on the ribs, liver, and gallbladder can all contribute to this discomfort, especially in the second and third trimesters.

While often harmless, right-side rib pain can occasionally signal issues like gallstones, HELLP syndrome, or preeclampsia — conditions that require prompt medical attention. Because symptoms overlap, guessing isn't safe. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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The most common questions people who are pregnant ask Ubie

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Explanation

During pregnancy, many changes happen in your body that can cause discomfort, including pain under the right rib cage. One reason is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is common during pregnancy. The growing baby can put pressure on your stomach, and the hormone changes can relax muscles, including the valve that keeps stomach acid within the stomach. This acid can then move up into your esophagus and cause pain near your ribs. Additionally, other causes of pain in this area include issues with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. Another common cause of pain is musculoskeletal pain. As your body grows and adjusts, your muscles and bones work differently to support your extra weight, which can lead to aches and discomfort in different areas, including under the right rib cage. These changes are generally normal during pregnancy. It is important to note that sharp pain under the right rib that worsens with breathing could be a sign of a blood clot, especially if associated with leg swelling. This requires prompt medical attention. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing your discomfort, you can check your symptoms to get personalized insights. However, if any pain becomes very severe, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as leg swelling or shortness of breath, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider right away.

(References)

  • Ali RA, Egan LJ. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21(5):793-806. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2007.05.006. PMID: 17889808.

  • Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, Tan AK. Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018 Nov 19;10(12):229-234. doi: 10.1177/1759720X18812449. PMID: 30515249; PMCID: PMC6262502.

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