AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question Hello, My question is: Is it normal to have so much pain in my rib cage area it is unbearable the only relieve I have is rubbing Ben-Gay their and on my lower back, is this bad for my baby. I also am experiencing some pressure in my private area that at times seems like some thing pops down there. Quick pain then it goes away but when I get it, it really hurts just like this miseable pain in my ribs and lower back, although this is not my first pregnancy actually this is my third and last with my girls I did not feel this way, I feel like since this is a boy he's really tearing me up inside. Or maybe its my old age 31 LOL...I would greatly appreciate your feedback and thanks.
Answer Dear Marta,
Most, if not all, doctors will tell you that there are no differences between boy and girl pregnancies. BUT, I've heard enough old women talk to know that the doctors do not understand that some things cannot be factualized scientifically! And there is a difference. However, I will tell you that he is most likely not "tearing you up".
As far as the Ben Gay, it does contain methyl salicytate and the information I gathered indicates that it should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. You should contact your OB as to his/her own preferences as far as use. Have you tried a heating pad?
In the 7th month, amniotic fluid begins to diminish which means there's more baby than fluid in your growing uterus. You may very well begin to feel much more pushing and pulling, especially if he's bigger, more active than the other two, or if he's positioned in a different way. For instance, it could be that your girls were back/butt downward for most of the time and you'd feel most kicking up high; whereas this one may be butt/back high and be kicking down low (causing that pain).
I know these all seems like pretty simple explanations, and I'm sure you wanted something really technical! :-) But as long as these are your only symptoms, I just think these are the unfortunate discomforts of pregnancy. I hope I've helped anyway.
Please contact your doctor about that Ben Gay and try the heating pad. Good Luck!
