What Is Rib Flare? Understanding Post-Pregnancy Changes in Your Core

It seems like such a small thing, right? Ribs are supposed to just sit where they’re meant to, snug under our skin, doing their job to protect our lungs and heart. But if you’ve ever noticed that your ribs pop out or you can’t quite get your waistline to look the way it used to—even when you’re trying to stand up straight—you might be dealing with rib flare. And trust me, you are not alone.

I hear it so often from women who come to Bodyworks Women’s Health & Wellness after having a baby (or a few!). They stand in front of the mirror, or they’re trying on clothes, and they catch that telltale protrusion of their ribs. It can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you’re working hard on your fitness routine and still not seeing the core strength you want. But why does it happen?

Well, pregnancy brings with it a fabulous bundle of joy, but it also ushers in some major changes to the torso. Your growing baby pushes against your diaphragm and abdominals, sometimes stretching those core muscles beyond what they’re used to. After childbirth—whether vaginal or C-section—some of those muscles remain overstretched and weak. That leaves other muscles, like the ones in your lower back or pelvic floor, to pick up the slack. And in the process, the ribcage can tip forward, creating that telltale rib flare.

You might be thinking, “What does this have to do with anything else?” The truth is, rib flare can play a big role in how you breathe, stand, and even move throughout your day. It can lead to back tension, neck issues, or general discomfort if left unaddressed. But here’s the good news: at Bodyworks, our team is all about digging deeper to find the root cause of these issues, not just putting a quick Band-Aid on the symptoms. We’ll look at your core strength, posture, pelvic floor, even your scar tissue if you had a C-section, to piece together the full picture of your body’s needs.

If you’re tired of feeling like your ribs just won’t cooperate, we’re here to help with compassionate care and personalized plans. We’ve seen it all and heard it all—no judgment, just real solutions. By addressing rib flare through proper alignment, targeted exercises, and, if needed, hands-on therapy, we’ll guide you to a stronger, more confident core. Because let’s face it: after everything your body’s been through, you deserve to feel your absolute best. At Bodyworks, we’re ready to help you take that next step forward—ribs and all.