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Is Chest Pain Normal During Pregnancy
Chest pain during pregnancy is actually quite common and usually mild. Most of the time, it’s your body adjusting to support your growing baby, with hormones playing a big role in these changes. You may notice it more in the second and third trimesters, as your uterus expands and your body adapts.That said, if the pain feels sharp, intense, or unusual, don’t just brush it off as part of pregnancy. Your body is doing incredible work, but it’s important to get any concerning symptoms checked by a healthcare professional to make sure everything is on track.
What Are the Minor Causes of Chest Pain During Pregnancy
Plenty of everyday reasons explain why your chest might feel tight or sore.1. Heartburn and Indigestion
A common cause is heartburn, which often feels like a burning sensation in your chest or even the back of your throat. Pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and oesophagus, letting acid flow back up more easily. Indigestion can add to the problem, trapping gas and causing sharp jabs or bloating right in your chest. But this usually eases after your baby arrives.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy brings intense emotions about what lies ahead, and all that can make your chest feel tight. Whether it’s your first baby or you’re welcoming another little one, big life changes naturally cause worry. Too much stress can even make your heart race or create a sense of pressure that feels similar to physical pain.
Take a moment to notice what’s weighing on you, and see if there’s a way to lighten the load.
3. Pressure from Your Growing Body
As your uterus expands, it naturally presses against your diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe). At the same time, your breasts grow fuller, and your rib cage spreads to make room, which can pinch nerves or muscles and cause aches in your chest.
You might also notice shortness of breath, especially when moving around or lying in certain positions.
What Are the Serious Causes of Chest Pain During Pregnancy
While chest pain during pregnancy is usually harmless, sometimes it can signal a more serious issue affecting your heart or pregnancy:1. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation. It happens when your blood pressure rises too high and affects your organs, including your liver, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Persistent headaches that do not go away with usual remedies
- Pain in the upper right side under the ribs
- Swelling in the hands, face, or around the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
- Heartburn or a feeling of pressure that doesn’t improve
- Protein in the urine, detected during a routine check-up
2. Heart Disease or Heart Attack
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases, causing your heart to work harder and pump faster. While most hearts handle this extra load without issues, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or certain risk factors can face complications.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Squeezing or pressure-like pain in the centre of the chest, lasting several minutes or coming and going
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
- Severe shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue that leaves you exhausted
- Noticeable swelling in legs, hands, or face
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Pain that spreads to the jaw, neck, back, stomach, or arms
- Cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness
During pregnancy, your body naturally thickens your blood to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding during childbirth. While this is protective, it also increases the chance of developing blood clots (about five times higher than in non-pregnant individuals).
A pulmonary embolism happens when a clot travels to the arteries in your lungs, blocking blood flow. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Being aware of the signs is really important:
- Sudden, sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe
- Shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Swelling, warmth, or tenderness in one leg
- Coughing up blood
- Puffiness or localised heat in the legs (possible signs of DVT)
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Common Causes of Chest Pain During Pregnancy
- Can lung infections cause chest pain in pregnancy?
Yes, respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia can cause chest discomfort, coughing, and mild fever. - What are the warning signs of chest pain during pregnancy?
Warning signs include severe or persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or pain spreading to the jaw, back, or arms.