
Chest Pain during Pregnancy
Pregnant women have a risk of sharp and stabbing pain in the chest. This can be due to various causes. Below is a list of reasons why women experience chest pain during pregnancy along with the ways to treat it.
Dr. Sumaiya Khan
Last Updated: Feb 7, 2018
Pregnancy brings about various physiological changes in a woman. As exciting as it is for a woman, pregnancy is accompanied by various aches and pains which one may not experience otherwise. Along with abdominal pain and muscle cramps, women often experience chest pain. Although it is normal, it can be very discomforting. This kind of pain is usually not harmful and the symptoms disappear within a few days. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor. There can be numerous causes behind this condition. Given below is a list of them.
Indigestion
- Cause
- Treatment
Nasal Congestion
- Cause
- Treatment
Anemia
- Cause
Dilutional anemia is caused when the blood volume increases in comparison to the red blood cell production, to support the blood circulation of the fetus. This may cause dilutional anemia in the mother. Another type of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, can be caused either due to high demand of red blood cells by the body or an already existing deficiency of iron. Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid can also cause anemia in pregnant women. Along with chest pain, anemia also leads to shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and irritability.
- Treatment
Calcium Deficiency
- Cause
- Treatment
Stress and Anxiety
- Cause
- Treatment
Other Causes
Enlargement of Breasts
During pregnancy, a woman's breasts increase in size due to the hormonal changes (increase in the levels of estrogen and progesterone) that take place in the body. Another reason for breast enlargement is the fat accumulation and increased blood flow to the breasts. This additional weight of the breasts can cause pain in the chest.
During pregnancy, a woman's breasts increase in size due to the hormonal changes (increase in the levels of estrogen and progesterone) that take place in the body. Another reason for breast enlargement is the fat accumulation and increased blood flow to the breasts. This additional weight of the breasts can cause pain in the chest.
Widening of Rib Cage
The rib cage widens to make room for the fetus. This puts strain on the chest. As the baby grows, it puts even more pressure on the rib cage and diaphragm, thus causing chest pain.
The rib cage widens to make room for the fetus. This puts strain on the chest. As the baby grows, it puts even more pressure on the rib cage and diaphragm, thus causing chest pain.
Chest pain during pregnancy is completely normal. But if the pain is severe or persists for a long time, it is advisable to consult your doctor rather than diagnosing yourself. Make sure you do not take ANY medication without your doctor's consent.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.