You will experience different kinds of symptoms during pregnancy. Your body goes through a lot of changes and that manifests in several symptoms. While morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting are some of the common symptoms, there are also some uncommon but not unusual symptoms. Chest pain and tightness in the chest are such symptoms. A slight pain or feeling of fullness and discomfort is common during pregnancy.

 

Causes of chest pain during pregnancy

 

Chest pain during pregnancy could be due to simple issues such as indigestion or severe issues such as preeclampsia. Here are some common causes of chest pain during pregnancy:

 

Heartburn

 

A higher level of progesterone hormones during pregnancy relaxes the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach. This causes acid from the stomach to reach your esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in your throat and chest. The heartburn pain is more common in the middle of the chest and up your throat.

 

Indigestion

 

Changing pregnancy hormones can upset your normal digestion system. You will feel gassier and more bloated during pregnancy. Chest pain from gas is more common in the second and third trimesters when your baby pushes the gas up the stomach.

 

Preeclampsia

 

Chest pain during pregnancy can also indicate preeclampsia. If your chest pain is accompanied by high blood pressure, a persistent headache, heartburn that doesn't get better with antacids, swelling in the limbs, and visual disturbances, it could indicate preeclampsia. This is a serious condition that requires medical intervention.

 

How to treat chest pain?

 

Sometimes anxiety and excessive vomiting can also cause chest pain. Most often, chest pain goes away with simple home remedies. Here are some simple home remedies to ease chest pain:

• Eat smaller meals frequently
• Avoid spicy food
• drink plenty of water
• Drink ginger tea
• Avoid acidic food items such as chocolates, caffeine, citrus foods, dairy, and tomatoes
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and bra
• Lie on your side to take the pressure off the chest

Usually, chest pain is harmless during pregnancy. However, at times chest pain could indicate serious conditions such as preeclampsia or heart disorders. In such cases, you will need immediate medical treatment. If you have persistent chest pain during pregnancy that doesn't go away with home remedies or if chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, discuss it with your doctor.