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Chest pain during pregnancy can be caused by indigestion, heartburn, anemia, stress, breast enlargement, and pressure from a growing baby. It can also be a sign of a heart attack, so it’s important to seek medical attention if the pain is unexplained.
There are many things that can cause chest pain during pregnancy, the most common being indigestion, heartburn, breast enlargement, and anemia. Some women may also experience pain because they are dealing with increased stress levels, have an enlarged rib cage, or feel pressure from a growing baby. Less commonly, chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack. For this reason, a pregnant woman may be advised to have any unexplained chest pain evaluated by a doctor.
Indigestion and heartburn are frequent complaints among pregnant women. As an unborn baby grows and develops, a woman’s abdomen gradually becomes more crowded, squeezing the stomach and causing pain. Indigestion is basically an upset stomach and can be accompanied not only by a burning sensation in the chest and stomach, but also nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdominal area, bloating, belching and gas. Heartburn occurs when stomach acids back up into a person’s esophagus and cause a burning pain in the chest.
Sometimes, an underlying condition is the cause of chest pain during pregnancy. Anemia, which is characterized by too few red blood cells, can cause chest pain if it is severe during pregnancy. It can also cause fatigue, fainting and shortness of breath. In some cases, asthma, for which chest pain and pressure can be a symptom, can worsen during pregnancy.
In some cases, changes related to the baby’s development can cause chest pain. As the baby grows, a woman may experience increased pressure on both the diaphragm and the ribs. Her rib cage can also widen, which can strain the muscles in the area and contribute to the pain. She may also experience pregnancy-related back pain that makes her feel chest pain. A woman’s breasts grow in preparation for feeding her baby, and their weight gain can also cause pain.
Mental stress can sometimes cause physical symptoms as well. During pregnancy, stress can lead to tension in the chest muscles, which can cause the woman discomfort or outright pain during pregnancy.
Often, chest pain during pregnancy is innocent and isn’t caused by a serious medical condition. It’s possible, however, that it’s a symptom of something serious and life-threatening, like a heart attack. As a result, it’s a good idea for any woman experiencing unexplained pain to see a doctor promptly.
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