Avoiding painful ribs and heartburn during pregnancy

During pregnancy the ribs become stretched by the expanding uterus, this can sometimes cause pain especially if there is a restriction in the spine where the ribs articulate. Osteopathic treatment can be very helpful in relieving these symptoms. Rib pain and heartburn can also be a result of a restriction in the diaphragm. This can be diagnosed and treated by our osteopaths.

Simple exercise to relieve heartburn and rib pain:

• Stand upright, and reach up over your head holding a broom keep the arms straight. Side bend to 2 o'clock to the left and to 11 o'clock to the right. Breathe into the lower stretched ribs.

If you have heartburn, avoid coffee tea and peppermint. Eat small meals regularly and not too late at night. If necessary eat just soup and ice-cream at night. A walk after dinner can also help.