What Causes Fluttering Pulsating Feeling Below Left Rib During Pregnancy?

Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 26 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there,

I am 7 weeks post partum. 33 yo female. I had Cholestasis of Liver during pregnancy supposedly this resolves after pregnancy. I also had a couple gallbladder attacks (never had before pregnancy) at the end of gestation and had ultrasound and diagnosed with gallstones, to have consult with general surgeon soon with respect to gallbladder.

I am presently having a fluttering pulsating feeling below my left rib. No trouble breathing and no pain. I have recently been having a pain in my mid back spine area with a numb feeling in the area that I have chopped up to carrying around baby all the time.

Please let me know what you think this could be?

Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
conservative treatment for gallstones

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to healthcare Magic!
Cholestasis during pregnancy can appear rarely and mostly subsides after delivery.
Gallstones are not a feature of this and might have been there already.
Gallstones cause dyspepsia and pain on right side and left side pain is again not a feature of gallstones.
The back pain and left sided chest pain might be purely related to awkward posture for holding the baby.
You should keep a help for baby and also try to avoid awkward postures yourself.
Get evaluated by a local surgeon, most gallbladder stones are chance findings and mostly remain silent for life.
I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you.
Take Care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar