Chest pain in pregnancy is a very common symptom that usually arises after the second trimester and is triggered by the inflammation of the nerves in that region and is therefore called intercostal neuralgia.
This inflammation happens because, with the hormonal changes of the gestation, the body begins to accumulate more liquids and to swell, compressing the nerves.
In addition, with the enlargement of the uterus, the diaphragm rises and the volume of the thorax decreases during respiration, reducing the space between the ribs, which further compresses the nerves that are in these spaces, causing intense pain.
However, this pain can also be caused by postural changes, lack of vitamin B in the body or virus infections such as herpes, for example, it is advised to consult the obstetrician to identify the correct problem and start the appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of intracostal neuralgia in pregnancy is the onset of pain, which:
- It is intense and is located in the region of the rib or chest;
- Irradiate to the region under the ribs, shoulders or stomach;
- Remains even during rest;
- It worsens by making sudden movements such as turning the body or lifting objects.
Frequent sweating, muscle spasms, fever, and a tingling sensation in the skin can also occur, for example. Due to the symptoms, the woman can confuse the neuralgia with cardiac problems, which can increase the levels of stress.
Thus, it is advisable to consult the obstetrician quickly to make diagnostic tests, such as x-ray if necessary, to identify the problem and start treatment. Understand the true risk of x-rays for gestation and when to do it.
How to relieve pain
During pregnancy, the use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics without medical indication is completely contraindicated, as they may impair the development of the baby. Thus, in order to relieve the pain, it is advisable to maintain rest whenever possible and, ideally, lie on a hard surface, such as a hard table or mattress, for example, because it prevents the movement of the ribs.
Using a strap during pregnancy also helps relieve pressure on the ribs and therefore can be used with obstetrical knowledge.
In addition, the application of hot compresses on the ribs can also help, since it allows to relax the muscles and to avoid that they press the intercostal nerves. Alternative therapies, such as yoga or acupuncture, can be used during pregnancy and may relieve the symptoms of neuralgia in some pregnant women.
In the event that rib pain is being triggered by a specific cause such as a lack of vitamins or viral infections, the obstetrician will prescribe the necessary remedies, which may include vitamin B complex to supply the lack of vitamins, or an antiviral to fight infection, for example.
Also watch the following video and see how to relieve other symptoms of pregnancy
