There are many things that can cause chest pain during pregnancy, including indigestion, heartburn, enlarged breasts, and anemia. Some women may also have pain because they are dealing with increased levels of stress, have an enlarged rib cage, or feel pressure from a growing baby. Less often, 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 medical professional.
Indigestion and heartburn are common complaints among pregnant women. As the fetus grows and develops, a woman's abdomen 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 marked by too few red blood cells, can cause chest pain if 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 unborn baby grows, a woman may experience increased pressure on both her diaphragm and her ribs. Her rib cage may also widen, which can tighten the muscles in the area and contribute to pain. She may also experience pregnancy-related back pain that makes her chest ache. A woman's breasts grow in preparation for feeding her baby, and her weight gain can also cause pain.
Mental stress can sometimes cause physical symptoms as well. During pregnancy, stress can cause tightness in the chest muscles, which can cause a woman to experience discomfort or direct pain during pregnancy.
Chest pain during pregnancy is often innocent and not caused by a serious medical condition. However, it may be a symptom of something serious and life-threatening, such as a heart attack. As a result, it's a good idea for any woman experiencing unexplained pain to see a medical professional right away.