Shoulder Pain in Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pregnancy can be both a stressful and an exciting time. Pregnancy brings about numerous bodily changes in a woman. After all, a whole new person is growing inside you! However, it also comes with its share of unpleasant experiences and symptoms. One such symptom is shoulder pain while pregnant. Pain in the shoulder during pregnancy is a problem faced by about 40% of all pregnant women. Before you get frustrated, remember that your body is supporting a whole person inside it and it needs to be cared for, too. We understand that being pregnant with shoulder pain can be quite stressful, affecting your daily life and mood. Read on to discover the reasons behind the shoulder ache in pregnancy and how to relieve and prevent left and right shoulder pain in pregnancy from happening.

Why Is Shoulder Pain Common While Pregnant?

The shoulder joint, along with other joints in the body, undergoes many changes during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, it alters a woman’s body structurally, hormonally, functionally, and with movement. These modifications can lead to pain in the muscles, bones, ligaments, joints, or tendons. Consequently, discomfort might be felt in the shoulder (1).

A pregnant woman’s body produces a hormone called relaxin, which relaxes all the ligaments in the body in preparation for delivery. This loosening up of the ligaments, combined with changes in sleeping posture, standing, and walking posture, can cause shoulder pain in pregnant women. They are also more susceptible to sprains, bruising or falls, which may turn a mild ache in the shoulder into intense discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise your shoulder health during pregnancy.

Shoulder pain in the third trimester of pregnancy is also common as women sleep on their left side for the better health of the baby.

Also Read: Stomach Pain During Pregnancy

Causes of Shoulder Pain in Pregnant Women

Shoulder pain may be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

1. Pain in the First Trimester

• Shoulder pain during early pregnancy may be a sign of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy needing immediate medical intervention (2). In this condition, the embryo starts growing in the fallopian tubes or the cervix instead of the uterus. Shoulder tip pain is characterised by sharp, stabbing pain that starts in the abdomen and can radiate to the shoulder and back.
• You may be experiencing shoulder pain because of gallstones, which are deposits of cholesterol or calcium in the gallbladder or bile ducts. People with gallstones have stabbing pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back and shoulder.

2. Pain in the Second Trimester

• Sometimes, shoulder joint pain may be caused by stomach issues like constipation, bloating, flatulence and stomach ulcers. This type of pain originates in the stomach and spreads to the back and shoulder.
• Excessive or unbalanced weight in the abdomen can also cause shoulder blade pain during the second trimester. Here, the pain originates in the lower back and spreads to the back muscles and shoulders.

3. Pain in the Third Trimester

• Left shoulder pain frequently occurs in the second and third trimesters when women sleep on their left side for better blood flow to the embryo. 
• Severe right shoulder pain is sometimes a sign of preeclampsia (3), a condition wherein a pregnant woman’s blood pressure and the amount of protein in her urine skyrocket.
• When shoulder pain is accompanied by tension and stiffness in the upper back and base of the skull, headaches, and migraines, mental strain may be the underlying cause.

Also Read: Chest Pain During Pregnancy

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain in Pregnancy

Sometimes, shoulder pain during pregnancy is due to changes in sleeping posture, hormonal changes, and muscle stiffness. Other symptoms of shoulder pain during pregnancy are:

• Shoulder pain radiates to the cervical area and worsens throughout the day. It is generally accompanied by a burning sensation in the eyes and pain at the base of the skull, and it brings on tension and fatigue.
• Shoulder pain during the first trimester may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, migraine, fainting, low blood pressure, and abnormal weight gain. These symptoms may be a cause for concern and need to be addressed.

Also Read: Rib Pain During Pregnancy

Treatment of Shoulder Pain in Pregnancy

Certain painkillers can be harmful during pregnancy and should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. So, instead of popping a painkiller for shoulder pain, you can follow some simple pain-relieving measures.

• Use anti-inflammatory sprays and creams.
• Place an ice pack at and around the site of the pain.
• Do physical self-therapy like yoga, acupressure, stretching exercises and find a good position or bed to sleep in.
• Take care of gastric complaints before they give rise to shoulder pain.
• Take enough rest to fend off tension, stress, and shoulder pain.
• Cut down on physically strenuous activities that might increase shoulder pain during the third trimester.
• Give yourself a massage before you go to sleep.

How to Prevent Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy?

Your body is changing to accommodate the miracle of childbirth. This should prompt healthy changes in a pregnant woman’s lifestyle. The moment you make healthy choices, you can prevent the triggers of shoulder pain. The best way to prevent shoulder pain during pregnancy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to prevent shoulder pain:

• Sleep well to prevent tension buildup in your shoulders.
• Eat well and avoid gastric issues that may cause shoulder pain.
• Avoid bad posture while sleeping, standing, sitting and walking.
• If you smoke, you should consider giving it up.
• Scale back on responsibilities professionally and at home.
• Ask for help from a trusted family member or friend when possible.
• Get pillows specially designed for the cervical spine and legs for better sleep and less strain on the shoulders.
• Eat less spicy and oily foods to help with shoulder pain of gastric origin and gallstones

Other Tips to Relieve Shoulder Pain When You’re Pregnant

• Avoid stress and people who cause it.
• Try a chiropractor or an acupressure therapist to help relieve shoulder pain and promote good health.
• Substitute healthy snacks for junk food at tea time and in between meals .
• Take time off. Doing nothing on one day of the week works wonders for health, relaxation and well-being.
• Buy a new mattress, get a sleeping mask and noise-cancelling headphones – all these sleep aids do wonders for sleep quality.
• Try out stretching.
• Warm and cold compresses may help.
• A warm bath may help ease the pain.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

A pregnant woman should not hesitate to call the doctor if shoulder pain continues for many days and is accompanied by symptoms like high fever, pressure on the rectum, an immobile shoulder joint, and pain along with swelling and discolouration of the skin.

FAQs

We answer a few frequently asked questions about shoulder pain during pregnancy.

1. Why is there pain between my shoulder blades?

This is termed as shoulder blade pain and occurs due to poor posture, i.e. when the upper back and shoulders bend forward. The pain is because the shoulder blades are getting detached from each other. Driving, sitting at work for long hours, eating, or swimming can aggravate this situation.

2. I have pain at the tip of my shoulders. Please help!

Some pregnant women experience pain at the tip of the shoulders, where the arms begin. This is rare and one of the signs of ectopic pregnancy (2).

3. What should I do for pain in the left arm and shoulder?

Pain in the left arm and shoulder may develop due to a pinched nerve or joint injury. It could also be a symptom of a heart illness. You should get it checked by your doctor immediately.

4. Does early pregnancy cause shoulder pain?

Yes, it is possible to have shoulder pain in early pregnancy. However, shoulder pain in ectopic pregnancies is also common. It is best to consult your doctor immediately. 

5. Can neck pains during pregnancy be related to shoulder pain?

Yes, neck pains during pregnancy can often be linked to shoulder discomfort because both areas share connected muscles and nerves. Hormonal changes, poor posture, or sleeping positions can cause strain in the neck, which may extend to the shoulders. Gentle stretches, a supportive pillow, and good sitting posture can help ease the tension.

Pregnancy comes with its share of aches and pains, most of which cannot be avoided. Adequate rest, mild exercise and healthy eating habits go a long way in easing the discomfort. Do remember that any pain or symptom needs to be shown to a doctor if it starts interfering with your daily routine.

Also Read:

Vaginal Pain when Pregnant
Knee Pain During Pregnancy
Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
Upper Back Pain During Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. PubMed Central – The Main Changes in Pregnancy—Therapeutic Approach to Musculoskeletal Pain

2. NHS – Ectopic Pregnanc Symptoms

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Preeclampsia