Is shoulder pain common during pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain during pregnancy is possible, but it is not among the most common pregnancy-related pains. Most pregnant women experience discomfort in areas like the lower back, hips, and pelvis due to hormonal changes, postural shifts, and added weight. While occasional shoulder soreness can result from muscle strain or sleeping position, persistent or severe shoulder pain should never be ignored, as it can sometimes signal more serious conditions such as gallbladder issues, preeclampsia, or (in early pregnancy) an ectopic pregnancy.

Because shoulder pain in pregnancy can range from harmless to urgent, it's important to understand what's causing yours. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you evaluate your symptoms in minutes, identify possible causes, and decide whether self-care, a doctor's visit, or immediate medical attention is your best next step.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

During pregnancy, many women experience musculoskeletal pain, which means pain in the muscles and bones. According to the studies, pregnant women often feel pain in areas such as the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Shoulder pain can happen, but it is not as common as pain in these other areas.

Common Pain Areas in Pregnancy:

Lower Back: Many women feel discomfort here due to changes in posture and the growing baby.
Hips and Pelvis: Hormonal changes can make joints more flexible, leading to pain.

While shoulder pain is less common, it can still occur due to changes in posture and muscle strain. Pregnant women should talk to their healthcare provider if they experience any pain, including shoulder pain, to ensure it is managed safely and effectively. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or want to better understand what might be causing your discomfort, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights.

For more information, you can read the studies mentioned in the provided references.

(References)

Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, & Tan AK. (2018). Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy. Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease, 30515249.
Palsson TS, Beales D, Slater H, O'Sullivan P, & Graven-Nielsen T. (2015). Pregnancy is characterized by widespread deep-tissue .... The journal of pain, 25540938.
Filippini C, Saran S, & Chari B. (2023). Musculoskeletal steroid injections in pregnancy: a review. Skeletal radiology, 36917270.

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