Michelle Hopkins
During pregnancy, you can experience a number of symptoms, including chest pain. Although the chest pain is uncomfortable, in most instances, it is not an indication of a more serious issue. However, there are exceptions. If you are pregnant and dealing with chest pain, here is what you need to know.
What Causes Chest Pain?
Chest pain during pregnancy can be caused by several different factors. For instance, the pain could be the result of your baby growing. As the baby grows, a great deal of pressure can be put on your diaphragm, which can lead to chest pain.
The problem could also be related to your breasts getting larger. As they do, you can not only experience chest pain, but also shortness of breath.
One of the most common causes of chest pain though is heartburn and indigestion. During your pregnancy, hormones relax the sphincter. When this happens, acids in your stomach have a chest to come up, which causes heartburn. If the gas becomes trapped, you can suffer indigestion.
Unfortunately, chest pain could be a sign of a more serious condition. Deep vein thrombosis, heart disease, and heart attack are all marked by chest pain.
How Do You Know the Difference?
If the chest pain is the result of a more serious condition, other symptoms will usually accompany it. For instance, if you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, you can also experience extreme pressure or pain when you are walking or standing.
Heart disease and heart attack are often accompanied by symptoms, such as numbness, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness.
What Can You Do?
If your chest pain is not accompanied by other symptoms, there are possible at-home remedies you can try to alleviate it. For instance, if your chest pain is related to heartburn and indigestion, avoiding it altogether is probably the best course of action. Foods that typically cause you to experience these symptoms, such as spicy foods, should be avoided.
You also should walk after eating and avoid eating large meals before bedtime. Both can contribute to the development of heartburn. Your OB/GYN can help determine whether or not over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, are safe for you to use at this point in your pregnancy.
Chest pain that is constant or accompanied by other symptoms needs to be professionally assessed. A more serious condition could have an impact on you and your unborn child. Talk to your OB/GYN about scheduling an appointment with a specialist for an assessment.
For more information, contact Alpert Zales & Castro Pediatric Cardiology or a similar organization.