Condition guide
Costochondritis in Pregnancy - Overview
Costochondritis is chest-wall pain associated with inflammation where the ribs meet the breastbone. During pregnancy, chest pain needs medical assessment before it is attributed to costochondritis.
Chest pain in pregnancy: when to get help
Seek urgent medical care for new or unexplained chest pain during pregnancy. Tell the clinician that you are pregnant.
For sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, a racing heartbeat or coughing up blood, contact local emergency services immediately. Do not wait for a physiotherapy appointment.
Symptoms
- Sharp or aching pain in the chest wall
- Pain worsened by deep breathing or movement
- Tenderness over the costosternal joints
Causes & Risk Factors
- Often no clear cause is identified
- Repeated upper-body loading or a chest-wall injury
- Frequent coughing
Diagnosis
- Medical assessment of symptoms and chest-wall tenderness
- Evaluation for other causes of chest pain, including heart or lung conditions
- Further tests when the assessing clinician considers them necessary
Effective Treatment Options
- Discuss symptom relief with your maternity clinician after the cause has been assessed
- Check with a clinician or pharmacist before taking pain medicines during pregnancy
- Seek reassessment if symptoms persist, worsen or change
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chest pain during pregnancy always costochondritis?
No. Chest pain can have other causes, including conditions needing urgent treatment. Obtain medical assessment before assuming the pain comes from the chest wall.
How long does costochondritis last?
It can last for several weeks or months. Duration varies, and ongoing or changing symptoms should be reassessed.
Can I take pain medicine during pregnancy?
Check with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking a pain medicine, including one bought without a prescription. Check with your prescriber before changing or stopping a prescribed medicine.
Sources and further reading
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