CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Why You Might Be Having Chest Pain During Pregnancy (and What to Do)

Wondering what that painful sensation in your chest is? Find out if those chest pains in pregnancy are normal and how treat them.
save article
profile picture of Celia Shatzman
By Celia Shatzman, Contributing Writer
Updated November 17, 2023
woman touching her chest in pain
Image: Vichuda Sirisarakarn / Getty Images
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

Despite sore feet and aching backs, the vast majority of pregnant women will plow through their day, accepting that discomfort is par for the course when you’re carrying a human inside of you. But when chest pain hits, it can be nevertheless unnerving. So we spoke to experts to find out what causes it and whether it’s something dangerous. (Spoiler alert: in the vast majority of cases, it’s normal, though in rare cases it can be problematic.) Here’s what you need to know about chest pain during pregnancy.

Is Chest Pain a Symptom of Pregnancy?

Believe it or not, yes—chest pain during pregnancy is common for most women, although it’s usually “periodic and mild,” explains Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. In fact, she says, “pregnancy is the most common cause of a nonspecific chest pain, especially during the second and third trimester.”

That’s because your body is changing and your hormones are shifting, and you’ll feel it in areas of your body you wouldn’t expect, says Ross, who is also the author of She-ology and She-ology, the She-quel. So in some sense, you might consider chest pain a symptom of pregnancy. Note, however, that severe chest pain during pregnancy is not normal and requires medical attention right away (see below).

Causes of Chest Pain During Pregnancy (and How to Treat It)

What’s causing your chest pain during pregnancy can depend on when it occurs.

Chest pain in early pregnancy is often related to heartburn. That’s because the stomach has a harder time emptying its contents into the intestines, leaving acid in the stomach for longer periods of time. To treat heartburn, Ross recommends taking antacids, such as Tums, and avoiding heartburn culprits, such spicy foods and citrus.

Related Video

Chest pain in middle or late pregnancy usually happens because of the changes associated with pregnancy. “A growing baby makes the uterus put additional pressure on the intestines, lungs and stomach, which then pushes up and into the chest cavity,” Ross says. Pain under the liver and stomach area can also radiate into the chest, causing intermittent pain. This pain is typically accompanied with having a smaller appetite (because of the pressure on your stomach) and a shortness of breath (because of pressure on the lungs).

In addition, chest pain in pregnancy can occur as the muscles between the ribs stretch and expand to accommodate the growing uterus and chest cavity. This type of pain can feel more muscular and spread throughout the chest area.

Whether your discomfort is being caused by your growing baby or expanding muscles, in each of these cases, the chest pain will subside on its own as the uterus grows and baby starts shifting positions. In the meantime, a heating pad and scaling back on physical activity can ease the aches.

You might also feel some chest discomfort in pregnancy when lying on your back. In this case, you may experience a shortness of breath, sweating and lightheadedness. The reason? Your uterus is compressing the vena cava and aorta, says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, ob-gyn lead at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. For relief, sleep on your left side.

Far less common, chest pain during pregnancy could be associated with certain concerning health conditions, such as high blood pressure (otherwise known as gestational hypertension), pre-eclampsia) or a potential heart attack. In this case, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure, blood work and fetal well being. They might suggest modifying your activity level and (if it’s a cardiac problem) monitor your heart. Under severe circumstances, the doctor might recommend delivering baby early.

When to Seek Help

It’s understandable to think that chest pain during pregnancy, or even trouble breathing, is instant cause for alarm. But the truth is, that’s not always the case—as many as 70 percent of pregnant women have difficulty breathing simply because of the physical changes they’re experiencing as baby grows. “This makes it difficult to diagnose medical emergencies, such as a pulmonary embolism or heart attack,” Ruiz says.

Trust your gut. Most chest pain in pregnancy is benign, but if something doesn’t feel right, call your doctor—especially if you experience pain without warning or if it’s severe. Sudden, sharp chest pain as you breathe, accompanied by shortness of breath and nausea, can be a sign of a blood clot to the lung. Chest pain that radiates to the left arm or jaw, sweating, dizziness, visual changes, and/or nausea may be a sign of a heart attack. Get to the doctor right away.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Sherry A. Ross, MD, is an ob-gyn and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and author of she-ology and she-ology, the she-quel: let’s continue the conversation.

G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, is the lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. He earned his medical degree from UC Irvine School of Medicine and has been practicing medicine in Orange County since 1993.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman sitting on couch with swollen feet
Tips for Soothing Swollen Feet and Legs During Pregnancy
By Micky Marie Morrison, PT, ICPFE
pregnant woman lying down on couch at home
What to Know About Cramps During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of woman's hand on her stomach while lying down
When Does Implantation Occur?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman lying on couch showing linea nigra line on belly
Linea Nigra: Here’s What’s Up With That Pregnant Belly Line
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman feeling her breast
When Does Breast Milk Come in?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Top 6 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues (and How to Deal)
Top 6 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues (and How to Deal)
By Elena Donovan Mauer
Tool: Kick Count Log
Tool: Kick Count Log
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman applying sunscreen on the beach
Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, Tested by Moms-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman putting lotion on face
13 Best Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products, Tested and Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman applying stretch mark cream onto belly
8 Best Stretch Mark Creams, Oils and Butters, Tested by Moms-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
can-i-use-nail-polish-while-pregnant-HERO
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Nail Polishes, Tested and Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins-hero
The Best Prenatal Vitamins, Tested by a Mom-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting on compression socks
The 6 Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy, Tested by an Expectant Mom
By Erin Wisti
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant mom and daughter putting on makeup
The Best Pregnancy Safe Products on Sale During Amazon’s Beauty Haul
By Wyndi Kappes
best belly bands-hero
8 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Bump
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
pregnancy-safe-acne-treatment-HERO
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatments for Clearer Skin
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant belly in bed
22 Empowering Affirmations to Recite During Pregnancy
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
woman using a heating pad on her stomach while laying in bed
Is It Safe to Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Woman touching her stomach in pain.
Morning Sickness: What Causes It and How to Find Relief
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
non-alcoholic beer wine spirits pregnancy-hero
Best Non-Alcoholic and Alcohol-Free Drinks for Pregnancy and Beyond
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List