What Might Cause a Numb Feeling in the Upper Right Abdomen During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that can stretch or put pressure on nerves. This pressure might affect the small nerves near your ribs and upper abdomen. When the nerves are squeezed or irritated, they can cause a feeling of numbness or tingling. This is similar to how a limb might "fall asleep" when a nerve is compressed. As your belly grows and you gain weight, the extra pressure can make these nerves feel a bit “off.” Sometimes, the nerves that run along the ribs (often between the ribs and the muscles) might get a little irritated because of the changes in your body. It usually is not a serious sign, but your doctor can check things out to be sure everything is okay. If you notice other symptoms like increased pain, swelling, or fever along with the numbness, be sure to tell your healthcare provider so they can help you feel better.