Pregnant? 7 Reasons for Right Rib Pain & When to See a Doc

As your body undergoes the remarkable transformation of pregnancy, new sensations and discomforts can sometimes arise, leaving you wondering what’s normal and what might need attention.

Unraveling the Mystery: What That Ache in Your Side During Pregnancy Might Mean

If you’re an expectant mother, you might have experienced it: a nagging ache or sharp pain in your right upper quadrant (RUQ) – the area just under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. This particular discomfort is a surprisingly common concern among pregnant individuals, often prompting questions and sometimes, worry. It’s completely natural to feel anxious when your body signals something new or unusual, especially during such a vital time.

Understanding Your Discomfort: Reassurance and Wisdom

While a pain in your side can certainly be unsettling, it’s important to know that in many cases, right upper quadrant pain during pregnancy is a common and often benign part of the journey. Your body is undergoing immense changes, and sometimes these changes can manifest as aches and pains. However, understanding the potential causes behind this discomfort is a wise step. While reassurance is key, knowledge empowers you to differentiate between a normal pregnancy symptom and something that might warrant closer medical attention.

Navigating the Possibilities: Your Guide to Differential Diagnosis

The goal of this comprehensive guide is to illuminate the various reasons behind right upper quadrant pain during pregnancy. We’ll walk you through what’s known as a "differential diagnosis" – essentially, a process of considering different possibilities to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. Our exploration will range from simple, everyday pregnancy-related discomforts, such as musculoskeletal pain due to your body adapting, to other, more serious conditions that require prompt medical evaluation. We believe that by understanding the spectrum of possibilities, you can feel more in control and better equipped to advocate for your health.

Seven Common Reasons We’ll Explore

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into seven common causes of right upper quadrant pain experienced during pregnancy. Each reason will be explored in detail, providing you with clear, easy-to-understand information. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to better understand what your body is telling you, empowering you to recognize when your symptoms are likely a part of normal pregnancy changes and, crucially, when a medical consultation is essential for your well-being and that of your baby.

With this understanding in mind, let’s begin our exploration by looking at one of the most common and often benign reasons for discomfort: the physical changes your body makes to accommodate your growing baby.

While that general ache can be unsettling, often the specific sharp pains you feel are a normal part of your body’s incredible adaptation to pregnancy, and one of the most common reasons is simply your little one making themselves at home.

The Great Expansion: Why Your Ribs Ache as Baby Makes Room

It’s completely normal to feel discomfort or even sharp pains under your ribs during pregnancy, and for many expectant mothers, this sensation is a direct result of your body performing one of its most amazing feats: creating space for your growing baby. This remarkable transformation can lead to a few distinct, yet often harmless, types of pain.

Making Space: The Natural Process of Rib Cage Expansion

As your pregnancy progresses and your uterus expands upwards, it naturally begins to put pressure on the structures surrounding it, including your diaphragm and, consequently, your rib cage. Your body is incredibly clever, and it adapts to this growing demand by making physical adjustments. The ligaments and cartilage connecting your ribs become more pliable (thanks, pregnancy hormones!), allowing your rib cage to actually expand outwards and upwards. This isn’t just a minor shift; your rib cage can widen by several inches to accommodate your growing uterus and lungs, which also need more room. This outward push can sometimes manifest as a dull ache or a feeling of constant pressure under your ribs, especially on the sides.

A Little Strain: Intercostal Muscles and Diaphragmatic Pressure

The process of your rib cage expanding doesn’t always happen without a little protest from the muscles involved. Between each of your ribs are small muscles called the intercostal muscles, which play a crucial role in breathing and stabilizing your rib cage. As your ribs are stretched and pushed outwards, these muscles can become strained. This intercostal muscle strain is a very common and entirely harmless cause of sharp, sometimes stabbing pain under your ribs. It often feels worse with certain movements, deep breaths, or coughing.

Additionally, as your uterus grows higher, it presses against your diaphragm – the large, dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest and abdominal cavities and is essential for breathing. This diaphragmatic pressure can contribute to discomfort, making you feel short of breath and adding to the general pressure sensation under your ribs, especially on the right side.

Tiny Toes, Big Feelings: Fetal Movement’s Impact

Beyond your body’s amazing structural adaptations, sometimes the most direct cause of a sharp pain under your ribs is your baby themselves! As your little one grows and becomes more active, their position and movements can directly cause localized soreness. It’s incredibly common for babies to settle into a position where their feet or knees are tucked right up under your rib cage. Each kick, stretch, or wiggle can send a direct, sharp jab to your ribs. While these moments can certainly be startling and uncomfortable, they’re simply a sign of a healthy, active baby.

Finding Comfort: Simple Relief Strategies

While most of these pains are a natural part of pregnancy and will subside after birth, there are several simple ways to find some relief:

• Gentle Stretches: Incorporate gentle stretches that open up your chest and sides. Raising your arms over your head, side stretches, or cat-cow yoga poses can help create more space and ease muscle tension. Always stretch slowly and avoid any movements that cause sharp pain.
• Improve Your Posture: Consciously try to stand and sit tall. Slouching can compress your abdomen and rib cage even further. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head to lengthen your spine.
• Use Supportive Pillows: When resting or sleeping, use pillows to support your growing belly and align your spine. A maternity pillow can be particularly helpful, keeping you from twisting and reducing pressure on your ribs. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can also alleviate some tension.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Avoid tight clothing around your ribs and abdomen, which can add to the pressure and discomfort.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing can help relax the intercostal muscles and ease discomfort, as well as being beneficial for overall relaxation.

Remember, these discomforts are temporary and a sign of your body doing incredible work to nurture new life. While your expanding rib cage and active baby are common culprits, sometimes that fiery sensation under your ribs points to another common pregnancy discomfort.

While your expanding rib cage might cause its own discomfort, sometimes that "rib pain" you’re feeling has a surprisingly different, fiery origin.

When the Fire Rises: Decoding Pregnancy Heartburn and Indigestion

Ah, that familiar burning sensation. For many expectant mothers, heartburn and indigestion become unwelcome companions during pregnancy, bringing a fiery discomfort that can often be confused with other aches, including those around your ribs. It’s a common complaint, and understanding its roots can help you manage it more effectively.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster and Your Esophageal Sphincter

One of the primary culprits behind that fiery feeling is the influx of pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone. This vital hormone, responsible for relaxing many muscles in your body to accommodate your growing baby, also has an effect on your esophageal sphincter. Think of your esophageal sphincter as a valve at the bottom of your food pipe (esophagus) that’s supposed to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up.

During pregnancy, progesterone causes this sphincter to relax more than usual. When it’s not as tightly closed, stomach acid can more easily sneak back up into your esophagus, leading to that classic burning sensation we call acid reflux or heartburn. It’s a side effect of your body working hard to create a nurturing environment for your little one.

The Growing Occupant: Pressure from Within

Beyond hormones, the physical reality of your growing baby and expanding uterus plays a significant role. As your uterus enlarges to provide more space for your developing baby, it inevitably begins to exert pressure on your internal organs, including your stomach. This physical squeeze can push stomach contents and acid upwards, further contributing to both indigestion and heartburn.

This added pressure can make you feel full very quickly, even after eating only a small amount, and cause general discomfort or bloating – classic signs of indigestion. Both the hormonal relaxation and the physical pressure work in tandem, creating a perfect storm for these uncomfortable symptoms.

Mistaken Identity: Why It Feels Like Rib Pain

The burning sensation from heartburn isn’t always confined to the very center of your chest. It can often be felt high in the abdomen, just beneath the breastbone, and sometimes even radiating outwards. This location, being in close proximity to your lower ribs, can easily lead you to mistake it for rib pain or general muscular discomfort in that area. It’s not uncommon for pregnant individuals to describe a "burning rib" feeling when, in fact, it’s their stomach acid making its presence known.

Taming the Flame: Practical Strategies for Relief

While you can’t completely eliminate the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy, there are many gentle strategies you can adopt to manage heartburn and indigestion and find some much-needed relief:

• Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try five or six smaller meals throughout the day. This prevents your stomach from becoming overly full and reduces pressure.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Pay attention to what aggravates your symptoms. Common culprits include:
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty or fried foods
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Chocolate
  • Peppermint
  • Caffeinated beverages
• Stay Upright After Eating: Gravity is your friend! Remaining upright for at least 30-60 minutes after a meal helps keep stomach contents down where they belong. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
• Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: If nighttime heartburn is an issue, try propping up your head and upper body with extra pillows or using a wedge pillow.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Tight clothes around your waist can put additional pressure on your stomach, exacerbating symptoms.
• Stay Hydrated, But Not During Meals: Drink water between meals rather than with them to avoid overfilling your stomach.
• Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies (with doctor’s approval): Antacids like Tums or Rolaids are often safe during pregnancy for occasional relief, but always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing these fiery feelings. By understanding why they occur and adopting these simple strategies, you can significantly reduce your discomfort and make your pregnancy journey a little more comfortable.

However, if that abdominal discomfort feels sharp or persistently in your upper right side, it might be an entirely different concern that warrants further investigation.

While heartburn and indigestion are common and often mild annoyances, sometimes that persistent discomfort on your right side might point to a different, more serious culprit.

More Than Heartburn: When Your Gallbladder Asks for Attention

When we talk about right-sided pain, especially during pregnancy, it’s essential to consider your gallbladder. Though less common than simple indigestion, conditions affecting the gallbladder, often referred to as gallbladder disease in pregnancy, can be a source of significant discomfort. It’s important to remember that while this cause is indeed more serious, it is often manageable with proper medical care.

The Role of Estrogen and Gallstones

Your body undergoes incredible changes during pregnancy, and one of these involves a surge in hormones, particularly estrogen. This increase in estrogen can have a specific effect on your gallbladder: it can make your bile, the digestive fluid stored in your gallbladder, thicker and more concentrated. This change, combined with a slower emptying of the gallbladder, creates a perfect storm for the formation of gallstones. These are small, hard deposits that can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. They don’t always cause problems, but when they do, they can lead to noticeable and often intense pain.

Recognizing the Pain: What Gallbladder Discomfort Feels Like

The pain associated with gallstones or gallbladder issues is often quite distinct from heartburn. If you’re experiencing gallbladder-related pain, you might notice:

• Location: A severe, crampy ache located primarily in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen. This is just below your rib cage on the right side.
• Radiation: The pain may not stay put; it often radiates to your back, particularly between your shoulder blades, or to your right shoulder.
• Timing: A classic sign is that the pain often occurs after eating, especially after a meal rich in fats. Fatty foods trigger your gallbladder to contract and release bile, which can then cause a gallstone to become temporarily blocked or irritated.
• Duration: These "attacks" can last from a few minutes to several hours.

It’s crucial to pay attention to these characteristics, as they help differentiate gallbladder pain from other types of abdominal discomfort.

When Things Get More Serious: Cholecystitis

Sometimes, a gallstone can block a bile duct for an extended period, leading to inflammation of the gallbladder itself. This condition is called cholecystitis, and it’s a more serious complication that absolutely requires prompt medical attention. If you experience the severe pain described above, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), it’s vital to contact your healthcare provider immediately. While managing gallstones can sometimes involve dietary changes, cholecystitis usually requires more direct medical intervention to ensure both your and your baby’s well-being.

Understanding the potential for gallbladder issues can help you advocate for yourself and communicate effectively with your doctor about any right-sided pain. However, there’s another, more serious condition that can manifest with upper abdominal pain, particularly if it’s new and escalating in late pregnancy.

While gallbladder issues can certainly cause discomfort under your right ribs, there are other, more serious conditions that also manifest with similar pain, making it crucial to understand the full spectrum of possibilities.

A Crucial Call: When Right Rib Pain Signals Preeclampsia’s Urgent Warning

Pregnancy brings many changes, and while most are normal, some symptoms can be warning signs of serious conditions that require immediate attention. One such condition, where pain under the right ribs can be a critical indicator, is preeclampsia.

Understanding Preeclampsia: More Than Just High Blood Pressure

Preeclampsia is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. It typically begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure. While often thought of primarily as a blood pressure condition, it can affect multiple organs throughout your body.

The Liver’s Cry for Help: Right Rib Pain

Among the most concerning signs of preeclampsia is pain experienced under your right ribs, often described as a dull ache or sharp, intense pain. This symptom is a major warning sign because it can indicate liver involvement in the pregnancy. When preeclampsia affects the liver, it can cause swelling or damage, leading to this localized pain. It’s your body sending an urgent message that something serious might be happening.

Other Critical Warning Signs to Watch For

While right rib pain is a significant indicator, preeclampsia often presents with a cluster of other symptoms that, when combined, necessitate immediate medical evaluation. It’s vital to be aware of these accompanying signs:

• Severe Headaches: Persistent headaches that don’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, or that feel different from typical tension headaches.
• Vision Changes: This can include blurry vision, temporary loss of vision, sensitivity to light, or seeing spots or flashing lights.
• Sudden Swelling: Noticeable and rapid swelling of the face and hands, which is more significant than the normal swelling experienced during pregnancy.
• Protein in Urine: While you might not notice this directly, it’s a key diagnostic criterion found through urine tests.

When to Seek Emergency Care

This combination of symptoms—especially new or worsening high blood pressure, right upper quadrant pain, severe headaches, vision changes, and sudden swelling—constitutes one of the key emergency symptoms during pregnancy. If you experience any of these signs, particularly in combination, it is absolutely crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Trust your instincts; your prompt action can make all the difference for both you and your baby.

Understanding preeclampsia and its warning signs empowers you to advocate for your health and receive timely care. However, sometimes preeclampsia can escalate to an even more critical condition, known as HELLP Syndrome, which presents its own unique set of serious challenges.

While preeclampsia itself demands close attention and can sometimes manifest with concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to understand that it can sometimes escalate into an even more severe and urgent condition.

Reason 5: The Critical Complication: Unmasking HELLP Syndrome

In some cases, severe preeclampsia can evolve into a life-threatening variant known as HELLP Syndrome. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, as it can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. Understanding HELLP is vital because early recognition and treatment are key to a positive outcome.

What HELLP Stands For: A Closer Look

The acronym HELLP beautifully captures the essence of this complex syndrome, describing the specific changes happening within your body. Breaking it down helps us understand why it’s such a serious concern:

• H for Hemolysis: This refers to the breaking down of red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body. When they break down, it can lead to anemia and prevent your organs from getting enough oxygen.
• EL for Elevated Liver Enzymes: High levels of certain enzymes in your blood indicate that your liver is being damaged. Your liver plays a critical role in digestion, detoxification, and producing vital proteins, so its impairment can have widespread effects.
• LP for Low Platelet Count: Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your blood clot. A low platelet count means your blood doesn’t clot as effectively, increasing your risk of excessive bleeding, especially during delivery or in the event of an injury.

The Urgent Symptoms to Watch For

Just like severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome often presents with a range of symptoms, but some are particularly telling and demand immediate attention. Among the most critical is severe pain in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen, which is directly over your liver. This isn’t just a mild ache; it’s often described as intense, burning, or throbbing pain that can be constant or come in waves.

If you experience this severe liver pain, it’s an urgent warning sign. Your body is trying to tell you something critical. This pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, signals that HELLP syndrome might be developing.

Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation If You Experience Right Upper Quadrant Pain with Any of These:

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Vomiting: Throwing up.
• Headache: A persistent, severe headache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• General Malaise: A general feeling of being unwell, tired, or just "not right."

Please remember, these symptoms, particularly the severe right upper quadrant pain, are not something to dismiss. They are your body’s urgent call for help. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you suspect you might be experiencing HELLP syndrome. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcome for both you and your baby. Your healthcare team is ready and equipped to provide the care you need during such a critical time.

While HELLP syndrome is a serious and urgent condition, there are also other, less common causes of liver pain during pregnancy that you should be aware of.

While HELLP syndrome presents a critical concern, it’s important to remember that not all rib discomfort points to such a severe diagnosis.

More Than Meets the Eye: Decoding Lesser-Known Rib Sensations

Sometimes, the explanations for discomfort are far less alarming, even if they feel just as intense in the moment. Pregnancy brings with it a host of physiological changes, and these can manifest in surprising ways, including sensations in your rib area that might stem from everyday bodily functions.

Benign But Bothersome: The Everyday Culprits

It might sound simple, but sometimes the most common bodily functions (or dysfunctions) can be the source of your discomfort.

• Constipation: A very common complaint during pregnancy, constipation can lead to significant abdominal discomfort and bloating. As your uterus grows, it can put pressure on your intestines, slowing things down. This backed-up bowel material can cause referred pain, which might be felt higher up in your abdomen or even around your lower ribs.
• Trapped Gas: Similarly, increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can relax smooth muscles, including those in your digestive tract, leading to slower digestion and more gas production. This gas can get trapped in pockets of your intestines, causing sharp, sometimes radiating pain. Because your organs are shifting and being compressed by your growing baby, these gas pains can easily be felt under your ribs, mimicking more serious issues. While uncomfortable, these are typically benign and can often be managed with dietary adjustments, increased fluid intake, and gentle movement.

Rare, Yet Requiring Attention: Other Serious Considerations

Beyond the common digestive woes, there are also a handful of other, much rarer conditions that could potentially cause discomfort in your abdominal or rib area. These are less frequent but underscore the need for a thorough medical evaluation.

• Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can sometimes travel up to the kidneys. A kidney infection can cause symptoms like fever, chills, pain in your back or flank (just under your ribs), and painful urination. If left untreated, kidney infections can become serious.
• Other Liver Conditions Unrelated to Preeclampsia: While preeclampsia can affect the liver, there are other liver conditions that can occur during pregnancy. For example, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) primarily causes severe itching, but other, rarer liver issues might cause upper abdominal discomfort. It’s crucial for your healthcare provider to rule out any liver abnormalities.

The Ultimate Reassurance: Your Obstetrician’s Expertise

Given the wide spectrum of potential causes for rib discomfort during pregnancy – from the completely benign to the rare but serious – attempting to self-diagnose is not advisable. Your body is undergoing profound changes, and many symptoms can overlap or mimic each other. For your peace of mind and the safety of both you and your baby, a proper diagnosis from your Obstetrician is absolutely essential. They can conduct the necessary examinations and tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort, ensuring you receive appropriate care or simply the reassurance that all is well.

Understanding these possibilities is empowering, but knowing when to seek professional advice is paramount for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

After exploring some of the less common, yet significant, causes of discomfort or concern during pregnancy, it’s vital to understand what steps to take when you encounter symptoms that worry you.

A Mother’s Instinct: When to Reach Out for Support and Care

Pregnancy is a journey filled with incredible changes, and it’s natural to experience new sensations and occasional discomfort. However, knowing when a symptom is a normal part of this process and when it signals a need for medical attention is crucial for both your health and your baby’s well-being. This guide is designed to empower you with a clear, actionable understanding of when to seek professional advice. Remember, you are the best judge of your body, and your instincts are incredibly valuable.

Understanding the Difference: Routine Call vs. Emergency

It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between symptoms that warrant a phone call to your healthcare provider and those that demand immediate emergency care. The key often lies in the severity, suddenness, and persistence of the symptom.

• Routine Calls to Your Obstetrician or Midwife: These are for symptoms that are persistent or concerning, but not immediately life-threatening. Examples include a dull, persistent ache that doesn’t subside with rest, mild swelling in your ankles that worsens slightly through the day, or general feelings of unease that linger. It’s always better to discuss these with your provider, even if it’s just for reassurance.
• Emergency Symptoms (Pregnancy) Requiring Immediate Attention: These are symptoms that are severe, sudden, or indicate a potentially serious complication. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek emergency care.

Recognizing Red Flags for Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome

Among the most critical conditions to be aware of are preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, which can develop rapidly and require urgent medical intervention. While we’ve discussed these previously, it bears repeating the absolute red-flag symptoms that necessitate immediate hospital evaluation:

• Severe or Sudden Right-Sided Pain: This pain is often felt just below your ribs and can be a sign of liver involvement, common in HELLP syndrome.
• Vision Changes: This includes blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, or temporary loss of vision, which can indicate high blood pressure affecting your brain or eyes.
• Severe Headache: A headache that is persistent, severe, and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers can be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially when resting, can be a symptom of fluid in your lungs, which is a severe complication of preeclampsia.
• Sudden Swelling: While some swelling is normal, sudden and significant swelling in your face, hands, or feet could be a warning sign.

Symptom Checker: When to Get Help

Use this table as a quick reference guide, but remember it’s not exhaustive. If you are ever unsure, always err on the side of caution.

Call Your Doctor or Midwife Promptly If You Have:	Go to the Hospital Immediately If You Have:
Persistent, dull ache that doesn’t resolve with rest	Severe or sudden pain (especially in your upper right abdomen)
Mild to moderate swelling in your ankles or feet that worsens throughout the day	Sudden and significant swelling in your face, hands, or feet
Persistent nausea or vomiting (beyond typical morning sickness)	Vision changes (blurry vision, spots, flashing lights, temporary blindness)
General feeling of unease or something "just not feeling right"	A severe headache that doesn’t go away with pain relief
Concerns about fetal movement (e.g., baby is moving but less vigorously than usual)	Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Unusual discharge that is concerning but not bloody	Any vaginal bleeding (light spotting to heavy bleeding)
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)	Persistent, intense vomiting and inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (painful urination, frequent urges)	Sudden gush or constant trickle of fluid from your vagina (possible ruptured membranes)
Mild contractions that are inconsistent and fade with rest or hydration	Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks that don’t stop
	No fetal movement after 20 weeks of pregnancy for several hours, or a significant decrease from normal patterns

It is always better to call and be checked out than to wait and worry. Healthcare providers are there to support you and would much rather assess a situation that turns out to be minor than have you delay seeking help for something serious. Trust your instincts; they are powerful.

As you navigate the decision of when to seek help, remember that empowering yourself with knowledge is key to building confidence in your ability to trust your body and advocate for your well-being.

Navigating the journey of pregnancy means learning to listen closely to your body, and that ache under your right ribs is a perfect example. As we’ve explored, the cause can be as simple as your rib cage expanding or as complex as a serious warning sign for conditions like preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. The most crucial takeaway is that you are the best advocate for your own health and the health of your baby.

By understanding the spectrum of possibilities, you transform worry into empowerment. Trust your instincts. Never feel that you are being overly cautious for reaching out to your healthcare provider. Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a safe pregnancy. You are not just enduring discomfort; you are actively participating in your care, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your little one. Remember, it is always better to call and be checked than to wait and worry.