4 Ways to deal with chest pain during pregnancy that mothers need to know

Experiencing chest pain suddenly is worrying. Especially if this condition occurs during pregnancy, which in fact you have to take extra care of yourself and the baby in the womb. So, what should be done to relieve chest pain during pregnancy?

Why do you feel chest pain during pregnancy?

In general, chest pain during pregnancy is actually a normal condition due to physiological changes in the body. The growth of the uterus, which is getting bigger and bigger, will put pressure on the diaphragm, causing it to feel uncomfortable in the chest.

In fact, changes in breast size that are getting bigger during pregnancy can also affect the size of the ribs. As a result, the ribs will widen too, causing pressure on the chest, which sometimes also causes shortness of breath.

However, Karen Deighan, MD, FACOG, as an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital of Loyola University Health System, explains an exception. In some rare cases, chest pain during pregnancy can signal other health problems.

Includes indigestion, increased stomach acid (heartburn), pressure from growing babies, and stress. Even sometimes, this condition can also be caused by other problems in the body that are more serious. For example, heart attacks and blood clots in veins (deep vein thrombosis), heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and congenital heart disease.

These two conditions are quite dangerous usually not only cause chest pain during pregnancy, but also accompanied by other symptoms. Starting from shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat, cold sweat, and even coughing up blood.

How to deal with chest pain during pregnancy?

The doctor will provide several types of medicines for certain cases of chest pain during pregnancy. Usually, if this condition interferes with daily activities because it is accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, and a weak body, You will be encouraged to consume lots of vitamins, as well as to increase the variety of types of daily food to meet the nutritional needs of the body. Especially the minerals iron, calcium and magnesium.

But apart from that, some of the following treatments can also help deal with chest pain during pregnancy:

1. Pay attention to body posture

If all this time you are accustomed to a slouched posture, whether it's sitting or standing, you should change it from now on.

Hunched over posture can affect the lungs, making it seem like they don't have enough room to breathe.

The solution, try to always sit and stand in an upright position in order to facilitate the breathing process while dealing with chest pain during pregnancy.

2. Manage stress

Set aside time a few times a week to take a yoga or meditation class. Or if you prefer, you can also do some self-calming activities at home.

Doing meditation or yoga can be enough to help calm the body from stress and fatigue that seems to overload the body. That way, the possibility of developing chest pain during pregnancy can be minimized.

3. Avoid triggers from food and drink

During pregnancy, you are not advised to smoke, drink alcohol, eat oily and spicy foods, and consume caffeine. Tea, coffee, and chocolate are sources of caffeine and the amount of consumption must be limited or even eliminated altogether.

In essence, as much as possible avoid consumption of food or drinks that can cause problems in the digestive system. Because this will trigger an increase in stomach acid, which can make your chest hurt during pregnancy.

Instead, consume foods and drinks that are safer and can help meet daily nutritional needs. Eating portions can also be tricked into smaller but frequent meals to prevent stomach upset and stomach acid from rising.

4. Get enough rest

Do not do too much activity because it is feared that it can make your chest feel sore when you are pregnant. Also make sure your rest time is sufficient, aka not too much and not too short.

To be more comfortable, try using a higher pillow as a support for your head while sleeping. This method will make it easier for you to breathe freely.

But remember, avoid lying down immediately or sleeping after eating because it can cause digestive problems.

Should you see a doctor?

Although it is rare, chest pain during pregnancy can indicate a serious problem. For example, a heart attack, abnormal heartbeat, or blockage of blood clots in blood vessels.

Do not delay to have your condition checked by a doctor if the chest pain is accompanied by serious symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, and weakness.

However, if the discomfort in your chest only appears for a moment and doesn't feel any longer, you don't need to worry.

You can convey developments or complaints that occasionally or often appear to the doctor every time you do a pregnancy check. That way, the doctor can treat it as early as possible according to your health condition.

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