Chest pain in pregnancy and/or after your baby’s birth should never be ignored. Some chest pain can be serious and can head to a heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest or even death. Most women do not suffer from these conditions during or after pregnancy but it is important to recognise the symptoms and, if you have any of them, to seek treatment quickly.
Pre-exisiting heart conditions
If you have a known heart condition, were born with a congenial heart defect or have been diagnosed with heart disease, your midwife/GP/cardiologist will monitor your heart health before, during and after pregnancy.
Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
central chest pain
arm pain or numbness
pain in the jaw, back or shoulders
nausea
sweating/clamminess
breathing difficulties
Some people experience indigestion-like chest or throat pain that does not respond to indigestion remedies.
When should I contact the midwife or doctor?
If you feel unwell, contact your midwife or GP for guidance. If you experience some/all of the above symptoms, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance as yoru heart health needs to be investigated quickly. An ECG monitor and a troponin blood test should be carried out to find out if you have had a heart attack.
When am I more likely to have a heart attack?
You are more likely to have a heart attack if you:
have a family history of heart problems
have high blood pressure
have high cholesterol
smoke
drink excessively
are obese
Rarely, women with no risk factors or history of heart disease in their family will experience heart attack symptoms.Heart attack symptoms are pregnancy should never been ignored. Contact your midwife or GP for further advice.
Chest pain in pregnancy and/or after your baby’s birth should never be ignored. Some chest pain can be serious and can head to a heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest or even death. Most women do not suffer from these conditions during or after pregnancy but it is important to recognise the symptoms and, if you have any of them, to seek treatment quickly.
