Pressure on the chest during pregnancy: what could be the reasons?

Hiccups as a symptom of diaphragm spasm

A fairly common and harmless phenomenon in the human body is hiccups.
It is a spasm of the diaphragm and can occur as a result of prolonged laughter, hypothermia, or fast eating. In medicine, there is another definition of hiccups - a short reflex breath with sound, which occurs as a result of narrowing of the glottis during diaphragmatic spasm. Basically, a person stops hiccupping within a few minutes or immediately after taking measures to get rid of hiccups. However, if hiccups continue for a long time, then you should worry, since in this case it may indicate the presence of a serious illness in the body. The patient needs to see a doctor to find out the cause of prolonged hiccups. After the diagnosis, the specialist will make a diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Not enough air during pregnancy: what kind of specialist is needed?

If a pregnant woman's medical history contains information about chronic pathologies that may negatively affect the quality of her breathing (for example, obstructive bronchitis or respiratory failure), the woman should consult a pulmonologist.

In ambiguous situations, when the doctor finds it difficult to make a diagnosis, the expectant mother is prescribed a chest x-ray. Despite the fact that you have to take risks and irradiate the fetus, using this method you can always identify the true cause of the patient’s illness and prescribe appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

Pressure on the heart in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is the final stage in fetal development. Changes begin in the female body, preparing it for the upcoming birth.

A sharply enlarged pregnant uterus puts pressure on the internal organs, changing their normal position. Pressure on the diaphragm can cause not only difficulty breathing, but also unpleasant sensations of discomfort, sometimes in the form of pressing pain in the chest.

By the last trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s body weight increases, sometimes significantly, which is an additional load on the myocardium, causing tachycardia and anginal attacks.

Sometimes, if there is pressure on the heart during pregnancy at 36 weeks, and pain is accompanied by signs of LV systolic dysfunction, it is necessary to exclude peripartum cardiomyopathy. This is a disease of unknown etiology that occurs a month before childbirth or within six months after childbirth. Of course, here the signs of left ventricular failure come first, but pressing pain in the chest is not at all uncommon.

But more often, discomfort and pressing pain in the chest occurs as a manifestation of vertebral syndrome, due to the tension experienced by the spine due to a shift in the center of gravity in late pregnancy. As a result of compression of the nerve roots, pain similar to angina occurs.

Heart pressure during pregnancy: tests and examinations

Of course, not every pressing pain in the chest is a manifestation of coronary artery disease, but such pain should never be ignored, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman.

The examination algorithm for such patients has been developed thoroughly; for pregnant women it includes:

capillary blood analysis with determination of hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte formula;
blood sugar test;
urine analysis with sediment examination;
venous blood analysis with determination of C-reactive protein, AST, ALT, creatinine, microelements;
lipidogram,
coagulogram during pregnancy;

ECG at rest and during an attack
24-hour Holter monitoring
EchoCG.

If no pathology is detected, the patient is referred for consultation to a neurologist, gastroenterologist, or neuropsychiatrist.

Consequences of pressing chest pain for mother and baby

Almost all pregnant women experience pain and discomfort in the chest, but most often this is just a manifestation of a normal pregnancy. The danger is:

IHD with coronary disorders of atherosclerotic or other origin. Currently, the presence of atherosclerosis in pregnant women is far from uncommon in obstetric practice. This is due to the fact that more and more women are giving birth in the late reproductive period. Complications in this case may be: AMI, acute circulatory failure (pulmonary edema), severe rhythm and conduction disturbances - all this is a severe cardiac pathology with a possible fatal outcome.
Cardiac pathology of non-ischemic origin, accompanied by pressing pain in the chest: heart defects, myocardial dystrophy, cardiomyopathies, severe forms of hypertension.
Severe forms of iron deficiency anemia.
Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy, accompanied by increased blood pressure, edema syndrome, and persistent increasing pressing pain in the chest.

These diseases are dangerous not only for the mother, but also for the fetus; they can cause severe forms of placental insufficiency, severe forms of fetal hypoxia, intrauterine development abnormalities and even death.

Other diseases accompanied by pressing pain in the chest (myositis, osteochondrosis, gastrointestinal diseases, psycho-emotional disorders), although they require medical supervision, do not pose any threat to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Svetlana Alexandrova, cardiologist, especially for Mirmam.pro

Not enough air during pregnancy: universal tips

Even a completely healthy expectant mother can take note of these recommendations. And if from time to time you have to experience unpleasant moments of shortness of breath, be sure to use these useful tips:

Swimming is a great exercise for your lungs. While carrying your baby, try to go to the pool at least 2 times a week. Who would have thought that having fun splashing in the water is also a reliable prevention of shortness of breath in late pregnancy.
Maybe you should pay attention to yoga? An ancient practice, which includes working with the spiritual, mental and physical spheres of the body, strengthens and heals a person. In addition, there are a huge number of yoga courses specifically for expectant mothers, where an experienced trainer will explain and show what and how to do. Believe me, after such a “school” you will not only begin to breathe calmly and confidently, but also endure childbirth with confidence.
For some, aromatic oils help overcome shortness of breath. When planning to relax in a warm bath, add 6 to 8 drops of peppermint or rosemary essential oil to a small amount of sea salt, and then dissolve it in water. For a foot bath, 4 drops of oil will be enough.
Wear natural, loose-fitting clothes. Tight synthetics will not bring anything good.
To breathe easier during pregnancy, you may have to completely eliminate chocolate, tea and coffee.

What causes pathology?

The disease occurs due to various problems in the development and functioning of the body. Thus, the reasons may be hidden in heredity, when a child has a protruded diaphragm from birth. A hernia can also form from a strong blow to the chest, or from an abdominal injury (for example, from a fall, a knife wound).

It happens that it develops in a person in adulthood under the influence of various factors:

severe cough pressing on the diaphragm (usually occurring as a symptom of bronchitis);
long labor;
carrying very heavy objects;
stable constipation;
pregnancy;
obesity;
strenuous physical activity.

Diaphragmatic hernia is most at risk for people over 50 years of age. This is explained by the fact that over the years, the diaphragm, like the person himself, weakens physically. Sometimes a certain area of it is innervated, which causes protrusion. A so-called hernial sac is formed. Often the disease appears as a consequence of serious diseases occurring in the body: pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis and some others.

General information

The diaphragm functions as the main respiratory muscle. By flattening during contraction, it increases the volume of the chest, facilitating inhalation. When relaxed, the diaphragm takes on a spherical convex shape, reducing the ribcage, which allows exhalation. When contracted together with the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm helps the abdominal muscles work.

All muscle bundles of the diaphragm, which come from the bone and cartilaginous parts of the lower aperture of the chest and lumbar vertebrae, are directed to the center, where they pass into tendon bundles and form the tendon center), which has the shape of a trefoil. In the tendon center there is a four-sided opening of the vena cava which allows the inferior vena cava to pass through. Also in the diaphragm are the esophageal and aortic openings.

Methods for diagnosing diaphragmatic hernia

If a hernia does not show symptoms, but there is a suspicion of the occurrence of this pathology, it is still recommended to seek advice from a specialist doctor. Using appropriate equipment, they will be diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, which will allow them to study the disease in more detail.

There are several possible ways to identify and study the disease:

X-ray using barium mixture.
Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy.
pH-metry.

The first method is that the patient who is suspected of having a diaphragmatic hernia drinks the above mixture. It passes into the esophagus, then into the stomach. By filling the entire space of these organs, the mixture helps the radiologist see how severe the protrusion of the diaphragm is.

In the second method, the specialist uses a telescopic tube. With it, he carefully examines the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus, which entered the chest area through the resulting hole in the diaphragm. Finally, the third method for diagnosing diaphragmatic hernias involves determining the acidity in the patient’s internal organs mentioned above. If it turns out that the acidity in the esophagus exceeds the norm, there is reason to suspect the presence of a hernia.

Pathology or feature?

During a normal pregnancy, the fetus drops a few weeks before birth, but sometimes this happens earlier. There is no need to panic or worry in this situation; low position of the fetus is not a pathology. This is most likely a feature of a particular female body.

However, with this feature, gynecologists do not exclude the risk factor for premature birth, for the reason that the baby’s head puts pressure on the cervix, promoting its dilation. Often pregnant women feel aching pain in the lower abdomen, which should not be a cause for concern.

Another danger is that when the baby’s head is low, there is a risk of oxygen starvation, which will negatively affect the development of the child. Important! During this period, the expectant mother should be under the supervision of a doctor and be extremely careful.

Pain under the breasts during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormonal levels in a woman's body change significantly. And this is quite normal, because the body is preparing for pregnancy, birth and subsequent breastfeeding of the baby.

Often a woman first thinks about her pregnancy precisely against the background of chest pain.

But sometimes it happens that there is pain under the breasts during pregnancy, because the reaction of each female body is individual and is largely determined by the physical condition of the woman.

If there is pain under the breasts during pregnancy

Typically, the situation when pain under the breasts during pregnancy is typical for the third trimester of bearing a baby in the form of another unpleasant complication.

This is explained by the fact that by this time the child is actively moving and gaining weight faster and faster. It is not surprising that the uterus itself increases in size, occupying a priority position in the abdominal cavity.

At the same time, it not only exerts pressure, but also displaces the main internal organs. This is what leads to pain.

1. Inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis. It usually appears when a woman had problems with her pancreas even before pregnancy. Then, while carrying a baby, an exacerbation of the disease may well occur.

Symptoms in this case are primarily manifested by aching pain under the breasts during pregnancy. At the same time, it seriously intensifies against the background of food intake. Many may confuse the manifestation of pancreatitis with attacks of poisoning.

But their main difference is the sharp and severe pain under the breasts.

2. Intercostal neuralgia is another common cause of pain under the breasts during pregnancy. It is explained by the fact that the growing fetus begins to slightly shift the internal organs in the woman’s abdominal cavity.

Usually, if the reason for pain under the breasts during pregnancy lies in intercostal neuralgia, then the condition improves approximately by the 37th week of pregnancy. After all, from this period the stomach begins to gradually descend. Immediately after childbirth, such pain will completely disappear.

Doctors draw attention to the fact that intercostal neuralgia cannot be treated with medications during pregnancy. After all, this can harm the fetus

The maximum that can be done at this time is to perform a light back massage in a sitting position.

3. Hidden swelling that may appear at this time can also be the cause of pain under the breasts during pregnancy.

Therefore, if a woman has back problems before pregnancy, then during pregnancy she will certainly need therapeutic and preventive measures to strengthen the muscle corset.

This will prevent the development of an exacerbation of the disease.

Pain under the breast during pregnancy in the right and left hypochondrium

If there is pain under the breast on the left side during pregnancy, this should be somewhat alarming. The fact is that while carrying a baby, the load on the heart muscle increases sharply. Under such conditions, the heart begins to experience oxygen starvation. Moreover, as the fetus grows and develops, some displacement of the fetus may occur, which will also have an extremely negative impact on its work as a whole.

In cases where we are talking about the appearance of sudden pain in the right hypochondrium, which radiates to the back or left arm, shoulder, which can also be accompanied by a feeling of lack of air. In this case, you should call a doctor.

If there is pain under the breast on the right side during pregnancy, this may be a sign of compression of the gallbladder or diaphragm. In this case, the woman should try to take the most comfortable sitting position, while leaning back. After some time, the pain will go away.

But if there is pain under the breast during pregnancy on the right side, then the cause may be some kind of inflammatory disease occurring in the area of the kidneys or their ducts. After all, the main load on the kidneys doubles during pregnancy. Therefore, when the first signs of kidney pain appear, you should consult a doctor.

When does it hurt under the breasts during pregnancy and is this normal?

In the case where there is pain under the breasts during pregnancy, but the sensations are insignificant and represent only slight discomfort, then this may be quite normal. Typically this condition can be explained by:

– a small outflow of colostrum from the breast;

– enlargement of the mammary glands;

– increased blood flow to the chest.

All these phenomena can occur during the course of the entire pregnancy. Moreover, each woman tolerates them differently, since everyone’s pain threshold is purely individual.

Third trimester it's hard to breathe

First of all, I would like to say that with the onset of shortness of breath, you can find a positive moment and use these difficulties to practice breathing during childbirth. If by this time you have not yet mastered breathing techniques, then it’s time to take the issue seriously. Different types and methods of breathing will not only help you feel better and provide your baby with enough oxygen in such difficult moments, but will also be useful to you during childbirth, when contractions will need to be alternated with pushing.

Interesting: Favorable Days to Conceive a Baby After Menstruation Reviews

Clonic spasm of the diaphragm hiccups

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Clonic spasm of the diaphragm (hiccups) is usually a harmless phenomenon, sometimes life-threatening, more often it occurs reflexively in response to irritation of neighboring organs, when the stomach is overloaded, when peritonitis begins, when the phrenic nerve is irritated by a tumor of the mediastinum, an aortic aneurysm, or from excitation of a center located nearby with respiratory, agonal hiccups, which have such a poor prognostic value, uremic hiccups, hiccups with cerebral apoplexy, encephalitis, with venous stagnation of the brain. Treatment. Skin irritation (mustard plasters, rubbing the skin with brushes, ether under the skin), distraction of the patient’s attention, stimulation of the respiratory center (inhalation of carbon dioxide in its pure form or in the form of carbogen), lobelia, quinidine (as a decreaser in the excitability of the diaphragmatic muscle), alcoholism and, in extreme cases, transection phrenic nerve. Tonic spasm of the diaphragm is observed with tetany, tetanus, and peritonitis. Therapy—chloroform, ether.

What causes rib pain in pregnant women:

- in the early stages

To immediately reassure worried mothers in labor, it is worth saying: pain in the ribs during pregnancy is caused by physiological reasons and should not be frightening.

In the early stages, the body is just beginning to prepare for the upcoming global changes, and sex hormones contribute to this. Their secretion increases significantly, and this, in turn, leads to a weakening of the muscles of the digestive organs. Hormonal imbalance is also often the cause of rib pain.

Another common cause of rib pain is osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine or joints. Sometimes the expectant mother learns about the presence of an intervertebral hernia during pregnancy.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are most often a concern in the early stages - up to the 12th week. The pain is moderate, often localized on one side.

Often the cause of pain in the ribs is intercostal neuralgia. It can be distinguished by its significant intensity and short duration, appearance during sudden movements, coughing or sneezing.

If a woman has had injuries in the past, not only serious fractures, but also harmless bruises, during pregnancy they can remind themselves of themselves in this way.

Because against the background of a general weakening of the immune system, chronic diseases often worsen, and all minor disorders manifest themselves clearly. Pain in the ribs can be associated with exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcers), a lack of nutrients and minerals (calcium), and in the worst case, heart pathologies. With sharp, severe, prolonged pain, a woman may need examination of almost all organ systems.

The first trimester and toxicosis are inseparable concepts, so frequent attacks of nausea and vomiting can also cause pain in the ribs.

During a multiple pregnancy, the belly begins to grow much earlier than during a single pregnancy. The pressure of the growing uterus on neighboring organs, the rapid growth of the uterus can manifest itself in the form of pain in the ribs.

Finally, excessive anxiety and restlessness of the expectant mother lead to constant tension and worry, which also causes pain in the ribs.

- in later stages

In the second half of pregnancy, such a disorder occurs much more often. Most often, it does not require medical intervention and is quite logically explained by the pressure of the uterus on nearby organs, especially the organs of the digestive system. The pain is also increased by an overly active and mobile baby, who often moves his arms and legs, pushes and kicks. Two or more children in the stomach sometimes cause unbearable feelings of discomfort.

With osteochondrosis, intercostal neuralgia, exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, pain during pregnancy becomes more intense every week. In recent weeks, the intensity of pain reaches such proportions that every breath is difficult for the expectant mother.

Constipation is another common cause of rib pain in later pregnancy.

Throughout pregnancy, a woman in labor may develop pleurisy, pneumonia, or another disease of the respiratory system. A severe cough can also cause rib pain.

Causes

There are several potential causes of diaphragm spasm. The most common is a sudden blow to the stomach or chest. Chest injuries are especially common in sports such as boxing, football, etc.

Although the symptoms may be unpleasant, they usually go away within a few minutes.

Let's look at other possible reasons.

Physical exercise

Exercise may cause cramps. This can happen when there is no warm-up before exercise or the load is too heavy.

A surgical hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach rises higher towards the chest. Hiatal hernias occur when age, injury, or recent surgery weakens the muscle tissue of the diaphragm.

When a hiatal hernia occurs, part of the stomach is pushed through an enlarged hole in the diaphragm. This can cause the diaphragm to spasm.

A hernia can be mild or severe, and its severity will determine any additional symptoms. The most severe cases require immediate medical attention as they can damage the stomach, cause bleeding or affect breathing.

Temporary paralysis

A sudden blow to the solar plexus area can temporarily paralyze the diaphragm. This can lead to significant breathing difficulties. A person may panic if they cannot breathe, which can worsen symptoms.

However, temporary paralysis quickly passes.

The phrenic nerve controls the movement of the diaphragm muscle. Irritation or damage to this nerve or any inflammation can cause spasms in the diaphragm in addition to causing hiccups and difficulty breathing.

A variety of factors can cause phrenic nerve irritation, including:

breathing and simultaneous consumption of spicy food;
binge eating;
physical trauma;
surgical complications;
non-cancerous tumors;
neurological disorders;
autoimmune diseases;
infectious diseases.

Flutter diaphragm

Diaphragm flutter is a rare condition that causes frequent spasms or cramps of the diaphragm. Doctors can't say for sure why this happens.

Episodes of spasms can occur suddenly and last for minutes or even hours, significantly affecting a person's quality of life. The pain may be present in the chest, mid-abdomen, or back, making diagnosis difficult. There is no standard treatment for diaphragm flutter, as there is insufficient understanding of the causes of this pathology.

Causes of pain in the diaphragm

Pain in the diaphragm can have several possible causes. The most common of them are listed below.

Injuries

The diaphragm is a muscular septum located between the chest and abdominal cavity.
Rough mechanical force or surgical procedures can cause damage to the diaphragm. The pain resulting from such injuries may be constant or intermittent.

Some types of injuries can tear the diaphragm. This is a serious condition that doctors usually diagnose using a CT scan or thoracoscopy.

Symptoms of a torn diaphragm include the following:

abdominal pain;
difficulty breathing;
shoulder or chest pain;
cough;
increased heart rate;
nausea;
vomit.

Because the body needs to breathe constantly, the diaphragm is always in motion, which is why its tears cannot heal on their own. Therefore, surgery is sometimes performed to restore the muscle in such situations.

Musculoskeletal problems

Injury, sudden turns of the body, or intense coughing sometimes cause strain in the muscles of the ribs, which can cause a person to develop pain in the diaphragm. Broken ribs also cause pain in this part of the body.

Available treatment options in such cases include the following:

taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen;
applying ice for the first 72 hours after injury;
applying heat after the first 72 hours after injury;
breathing exercises;
physiotherapy.

Damaged or broken ribs usually heal on their own within six weeks, but unpleasant symptoms can be eased by the following therapeutic strategies:

proper rest;
refusal of intense activity;
taking over-the-counter pain medications;
performing pain-relieving injections in the area of the nerves located in the affected area;
performing breathing exercises.

Doctors used to advise people to wear compression bandages on their ribs, but they can interfere with deep breathing and increase the risk of pneumonia. Therefore, doctors now do not recommend using this therapeutic approach.

Intense physical activity

Heavy breathing during intense physical activity can cause the diaphragm to spasm and cause sharp or squeezing pain. This pain is often too severe for a person to breathe unimpeded. Many people feel that breathing becomes insufficient and uncomfortable. The pain usually gets worse with continued activity.

If diaphragm spasms occur during sports, then any activity should be stopped. The development of this type of pain can usually be prevented by warming up before exercise.

Gallbladder diseases

Gallbladder disease is an umbrella term for several medical conditions. Gallbladder pain can resemble pain in the diaphragm, so sometimes people confuse the source of their discomfort.

Other symptoms of gallbladder disease include the following:

changes in bladder or bowel movements;
fever or chills;
diarrhea;
nausea;
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice).

In most cases, gallbladder diseases occur as a result of inflammation or irritation of the walls of the organ (cholecystitis). Other gallbladder problems include stones, blocked bile ducts, and cancer.

Treatment for gallbladder disease depends on the specific condition. Treatment options include medications to control pain, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery to remove the gallbladder.

To prevent gallbladder disease, a person can make the following changes to their lifestyle:

slowly and steadily reduce body weight (if you are overweight or obese);
manage diabetes or other medical conditions;
practice physical activity regularly;
stop smoking;
limit alcohol consumption.

Hiatal hernia

Small hiatal hernias often cause no symptoms.
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach is pushed out through a hole at the bottom of the diaphragm. The esophagus passes through this opening, through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach.

Small hiatal hernias usually do not cause serious problems. Many people don't even know they have them and don't experience any symptoms.

However, large hernias can make themselves felt with the following signs:

acid reflux;
black or bloody stools;
pain in the chest and stomach;
difficulty swallowing;
heartburn;
regurgitation of food;
shortness of breath;
vomiting.

The most common method of managing a hiatal hernia is with medications. In addition, you can make the following lifestyle changes:

eat several small portions of food per day instead of three or two large ones;
avoid fatty or sour foods and any other foods that cause heartburn;
have dinner no later than three hours before bedtime;
stop smoking;
maintain a healthy weight;
When sleeping, raise your head at least 15 centimeters above the surface of the bed to prevent acid reflux.

If the hiatal hernia is very large, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms.

Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands and begins to push the diaphragm upward. This interaction between the two structures compresses the lungs and makes breathing difficult. In addition, it can lead to pain, discomfort and shortness of breath.

These symptoms usually do not cause any serious problems and disappear after childbirth.

However, a woman should consult a doctor if she observes the following:

intense or constant pain;
persistent cough;
severe breathing difficulties.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, that is, the layer of tissue located on the inside of the chest cavity around the lungs.

Pleurisy causes sharp pain in the chest along with shortness of breath. In some cases, this condition leads to cough and fever, and pain sometimes reaches the shoulders and back.

Treatment of pleurisy involves taking pharmacological products to control pain and eliminate the cause of the underlying problem. This may include infections, autoimmune disorders, and sickle cell disease.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, through which air enters the lungs and returns back. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Bronchitis causes pain that people often mistake for diaphragm pain. Other symptoms of bronchitis include the following:

chills;
cough;
fatigue;
dyspnea;
thick colored mucus.

Acute bronchitis usually develops from a cold and goes away on its own in about a week. Cough suppressants and pain relievers help relieve symptoms until the infection goes away.

Chronic bronchitis requires medical attention. Treatment options for this condition usually include inhalers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pulmonary rehabilitation to help the person breathe easier.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia can cause difficulty breathing and pain in the diaphragm
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs. It can be of bacterial, viral or fungal origin. Symptoms of pneumonia include the following:

difficulty breathing;
chest pain;
chills;
cough with phlegm or pus;
fever.

In some cases, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially if the disease occurs in young children, older adults, or those with other health problems.

Treatment for pneumonia is aimed at eliminating the infection and preventing complications. It involves taking antibiotics, cough suppressants and painkillers. Sometimes patients with pneumonia require hospitalization.

Other possible causes of pain in the diaphragm

Less common causes of pain in the diaphragm include the following:

lupus;
pancreatitis;
nerve damage.

Pain associated with the diaphragm can also be caused by heart surgery or radiation therapy.

Ways to cure patients

The doctor chooses the treatment options for a diaphragmatic hernia after an accurate diagnosis, since only then can he thoroughly study the size of the hernia and examine the place where it formed. Upon completion of the examination of the patient, treatment is prescribed. It may consist in the traditional way of getting rid of the defect - by taking medications and following a certain diet. But it happens that the patient is immediately sent for surgery.

If the hernia can be removed in the traditional way, it means that it has not yet reached a very large size. Medicines are also prescribed if surgery is contraindicated for the patient due to health reasons. He is recommended to follow a strict diet, which excludes everything fried, sour, smoked and spiced from the diet.

Food should be taken in several approaches (5-6), but eaten in small portions. Antacids are prescribed for internal consumption, the action of which is aimed at combating heartburn. These are “Almagel”, “Omez”, “Phosphalugel”. The doctor also prescribes medications that can relieve pain and relieve spasms. These are “No-shpa” and “Drotaverine”.

If it is not possible to treat the patient in a gentle way, he is given a referral for surgery. This happens if the hernia is too large, or if the esophagus or stomach is too compressed in the hernial sac and cannot function normally.

The surgeon cuts the sac, freeing the compressed organs. After this, plastic surgery of the excised area is performed. It consists of suturing the hole in the diaphragmatic hernia. In some cases, they resort to a so-called patch, which is placed in place of the excised hernia.

Fetus at 35 weeks of gestation

This week is the final stage of the penultimate, 8th month of pregnancy. Now the expectant mother must understand that childbirth can happen in any of the following weeks and with each of them they become more and more likely. It is very important that the woman now eats properly and in a timely manner, providing the baby with everything he needs and giving him sufficient strength for the very difficult event that awaits him. Otherwise, the child may be born weakened, sickly, and will lag behind his peers in growth and development.

If you don’t yet know which maternity hospital you will give birth in, the 35th week of pregnancy is the time to worry about choosing this institution. Perhaps you have some complications or other features of the course of pregnancy, and therefore you need some kind of special maternity hospital that specializes in these problems. In order to resolve this issue, consult your supervising doctor at the antenatal clinic.

Prepare a special bag with which you will go to the maternity hospital. Let it stand in a strictly designated place, so that you don’t have to run around the house in a panic at the very last moment and look for things and documents. By the way, documents should have their own special folder, which should be with you at all times. While you still have time, you can think about it and take your time collecting everything you need.

Fetus at 35 weeks of gestation - development

Now your baby is moving to another stage of his development: this week or a little later his head will drop into your pelvis and this will immediately make you feel better. It will become easier for you to breathe and the constant pain under your ribs will stop. On the other hand, this will again cause frequent urination, including at night. After all, now the child begins to put pressure on the bladder. However, it must be said that there are cases when the baby does not descend until childbirth; this is also one of the varieties of the norm.

In general, all its systems and organs have already received sufficient development and are quite ready for independent work. At the same time, they still have the opportunity to improve, which is what happens in this final period of pregnancy. The fetus at 35 weeks of gestation weighs approximately 2.8 kg, and its height reaches 47 cm or even a little more.

A layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue continues to form and be deposited, so arms, legs, knees, shoulders - all of this becomes softer, rounder and covered with touching dimples. In many children, the iris of the eye is now blue, and it will acquire its natural shade after childbirth. But there are also babies who are born with a completely genetically determined eye color.

Due to the further accumulation of adipose tissue, the skin continues to smooth out, and the remnants of the lanugo that previously covered it disappear from it. The baby's face is already very reminiscent of the faces of his parents; the skin of the feet and palms is covered with fingerprint patterns. Every week your baby now gains 200 grams or more.

The baby's nails have already reached the length where he can easily scratch himself. After all, it is very cramped in the uterus for him and the crossed arms now and then find themselves pressed to the chest, or even to the face of your baby. At the same time, he has not yet acquired the necessary caution in his movements, so it is not surprising that sometimes in newborns one can notice shallow scratches here and there. Don’t worry, this is a completely normal phenomenon, after birth the baby will immediately be put on special mittens, so he won’t scratch himself again.

Pain in the lower abdomen with threatened miscarriage

Pain in the abdomen, especially the lower part (hypogastric or hypogastric region) may indicate the development of conditions that threaten pregnancy.

Initially, a nagging pain appears, radiating to the coccyx or lower back. A woman may complain that her lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, just as her stomach usually hurts during menstruation. A woman may also notice the appearance of copious mucous discharge and a frequent urge to urinate.

Pain can appear as a result of strong physical or psycho-emotional stress and go away when the unfavorable factor is eliminated. If you do not seek medical help at this stage, the pain subsequently becomes acute and stabbing in nature. Subsequently, the stabbing pain may be replaced by cramping attacks with the appearance of bloody discharge from the woman’s genitals. This condition requires emergency medical attention.

Prevention of shortness of breath during pregnancy

All diseases are easier to prevent than to cure - the statement is so true that it can be considered true. Indeed, breathing problems for a long 9 months can be avoided, provided that there are no predisposing factors for the development of pathological shortness of breath.

Discuss all aspects of a healthy lifestyle with your doctor. The specialist will definitely remind you how important proper nutrition, walking outside, and taking special vitamins are in your current situation. At the same time, you need to choose an adequate type of physical activity for yourself, monitor your weight, and avoid perfumes with a strong smell.

It will also not hurt to use sedative medications: pharmaceutical drugs or herbal decoctions. Your doctor will decide what would be more appropriate in your case. However, a pregnant woman’s peace of mind can be maintained even without aids - soon you will see the most long-awaited little person on earth, and what could be more important?

Severe chest pain during pregnancy

The female breast is intended, like that of all mammals, to feed newborn babies with breast milk. The female breast consists of 15-20 mammary glands, milk ducts, connective and fatty tissues. The lobes of the mammary glands resemble bunches of grapes, and the milk ducts resemble stems. When palpating the chest, the lobes are felt like balls or nodules. A young girl is the owner of more elastic breasts, because they consist mainly of connective tissue; changes occur with age, fat accumulations appear, and the breasts become softer.

There are no muscles in the breast, only small sucking muscles are present in the nipple, so it is impossible to change the shape of the breast. We live with whatever breasts nature gave us.

Women feel pain differently, some experience a tingling sensation, others describe an aching, nagging pain. There are rare exceptions when a woman does not experience pain at all, there is only a painless sensation of swelling and fullness. Primiparas experience stronger feelings of discomfort.

Stretching of the connective tissue in the chest also causes pain.

Almost the very next day after conception, hormonal changes in the woman’s
. Breast tenderness a few days before your expected period will definitely confirm that you are pregnant. This condition most often resembles pain before menstruation, but it is more intense. The areola around the nipple darkens and increases in size. The nipple takes on a more convex, prominent shape, becomes more sensitive, touching it can cause irritation and itching. Hormonal surges are expressed by sudden mood swings, tearfulness, and headaches. All these symptoms together will definitely tell you that you are pregnant.

Possibility of uterine pressure on the bladder

During pregnancy, a woman’s genitourinary system works with double the load, as it removes everything unnecessary from the body not only of the mother, but also of her child. As a result of this, the calyces of the kidneys become wider along with the renal pelvis.

Can the uterus put pressure on the bladder? This usually occurs in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. And there is an explanation for this:

In the first weeks, the uterus is located in the pelvic area and begins to expand there, creating pressure on neighboring organs.
In the second trimester, the uterus rises higher into the abdominal cavity, and the bladder is released slightly, the pressure is relieved.
In the third, the uterus enlarges, the grown fetus lowers its head into the pelvic area and pressure is again created on the bladder.

As the fetus grows, the uterus increases in size and compresses the bladder, causing urine to return to the kidneys. Because of this, the woman feels that the bladder is constantly full. In addition, the placenta secretes a hormone that causes spasms in the muscles of the urinary system, which increases pressure on the bladder itself.

Causes of spasm

Most people are concerned with the question, why does diaphragm spasm occur? There are many reasons for this, the main ones being:

Binge eating. After a heavy meal, the stomach increases in volume and puts pressure on the diaphragm, causing hiccups.
Eating hot or, conversely, chilled food or peppery dishes provokes irritation of the mucous layer of the esophagus. The irritation is transmitted to a nerve that is nearby and through it enters the brain, where a response to the stimulus is formed in the form of a spasm of the esophagus.
Alcohol abuse. Alcohol-containing drinks have a negative effect on the esophageal mucosa, burning it. As a result, intoxication occurs, which disrupts the functioning of nerves, including the diaphragmatic one. For this reason, people often hiccup after drinking a lot of alcohol.
Hypothermia often causes shivering throughout the body, which is defined as a convulsive contraction of muscles aimed at retaining heat. Hiccups are a tremor of the diaphragm.

Drug poisoning. Diaphragmatic spasms in this case are a side effect of medications. The components in the medicine disrupt the functioning of the nervous system, causing involuntary inhalations with sound.
Stressful situations and fear. These phenomena put a strain on the central nervous system, which is responsible for contracting the diaphragm. As a result, excitation occurs and is transmitted to the muscles.
Swallowing air. Eating or drinking quickly causes air to be swallowed, which puts pressure on the abdomen.
Laughter. Strong laughter is accompanied by deep breaths along with sharp exhalations, which leads to a malfunction of the respiratory center.
Certain foods. Various foods that contain large amounts of air, such as yeast bread, can provoke hiccups.
Narrowing or sore throat. These manifestations can occur as a result of exposure of the throat to irritants such as cigarette smoke or seasonal allergies, a cold, or hairs getting into the throat.

Various diseases can cause diaphragm spasm:

stroke;
inflammation of the brain;
malignant formations;
myocardial infarction;
concussion and severe bruises;
cholecystitis;
pneumonia;
gastritis;
stomach ulcer;
bronchitis;
diabetes;
heartburn.

Spasm treatment

Therapy for hiccups caused by diaphragmatic spasm is based on taking medications and performing special actions that are aimed at calming the diaphragm. You can do the following:

Drink a glass of water in small sips, taking the “swallow” pose, or drink from the opposite side, while tilting your head.
You can deal with hiccups by using something that is difficult to swallow. For example, eat a spoonful of honey or a handful of sugar, peanut butter, wasabi or jam.
The most common way to combat hiccups is to hold your breath. It is enough to simply inhale air and not exhale it for several seconds. This will increase carbon dioxide levels and calm the diaphragm from any spasms that may occur.
You can get rid of hiccups by applying pressure to the eyeballs, by plugging your index fingers into your ears and making small rotational movements with them.
Most people claim that they stop hiccupping if they hold their breath three times.
If you hold your breath as you exhale before the spasm begins, and then breathe shallowly and hold your breath again, then after two or three times after such movements there will be no trace of hiccups.
You can calm the diaphragm from spasms by drinking a glass of water, lying on your side, or lying on your back with your arms raised up. It is necessary to take your left hand at the wrist and make up and down movements, providing a slight vibration to the chest. After a short period of time, the hiccups will pass.
If the hiccups do not go away for a long time, you can put a mustard plaster on the neck or apply a cold compress; a rubber heating pad with cold liquid applied to the diaphragm will remove the spasm.
In some cases, switching attention may help. You should focus on some object or situation and distract your thoughts from the hiccups.
You can take 200 ml of water and add a small spoon of apple cider vinegar to it. Drink the liquid without delay in large sips. Water with lemon juice also has a good effect. Squeeze a few drops of lemon into water and drink quickly.
If a person hiccups due to hypothermia, the spasm will go away if he is allowed to warm up.
Hiccups can go away if you lie on the bed and hang your head so that it is below the level of the diaphragm. To do this, some stand on their hands.
By soaking the tip of your tongue in salt and pressing it to the upper palate, you can get rid of annoying hiccups. Just to do this, you should sit more comfortably and relax.
You can stop hiccups by sniffing pepper, which will cause irritation of the nasal mucosa and sneezing.
Not the most pleasant method is to provoke vomiting. To do this, press on the root of the tongue so that the urge to vomit begins.

Safe breast pain in the second half of pregnancy

In the 5th month of pregnancy, the content of the hormone estrogen increases, which is necessary to prepare the woman’s body for the upcoming birth. Under the influence of this hormone, the mammary gland enlarges, accompanied by moderate pain. The pain is not severe, most often it feels like pulling or bursting, and occurs when touching the chest with objects or uncomfortable underwear, or when cooling. When you place your breasts in a comfortable position, for example, in a comfortable bra, it goes away.

Colostrum is an excellent breeding ground for the development of various bacteria that can penetrate the ducts into the breast and cause inflammation. Therefore, you should definitely keep your breasts clean; wash them regularly with warm water, preferably without soap, so as not to dry out the skin. Use special pads for your nipples to avoid unnecessary trauma to them and change them regularly when they get dirty.

How to alleviate the condition?

The most dangerous pathology in a pregnant woman may be associated with cystitis. If it is detected, the doctor recommends reducing physical activity and completely avoiding sexual intercourse. Medicines are prescribed, but with caution so as not to harm the developing fetus. For severe infections, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. A special diet is prescribed. A pregnant woman is allowed to go out into the fresh air, but under no circumstances become overcooled.

A pregnant woman should register as early as possible and be monitored by a gynecologist. She needs to be extremely attentive to her well-being and, in case of any deviations from the norm, immediately consult a doctor. If urination does not cause any particular concern, there is no pain and the color of the urine does not change, then there is no cause for concern. Frequent urges are provided by nature and are the norm.

If the doctor writes “35 weeks, breech presentation,” this means that natural birth will not be possible. Find out how the fetus should be positioned at 35 weeks of pregnancy.

The day of birth is gradually approaching, the thirty-fifth week is already on your calendar! About a month more, and a small miracle will be born. During this period, the expectant mother may experience discomfort from lower back pain and chest compression. Your belly is growing, and the baby inside you is developing and gaining weight. Braxton Hicks contractions become more persistent.

At this stage, it is very important how the baby is positioned in the uterus. If your chart says “35 weeks of pregnancy, breech presentation,” then this, of course, is not a cause for concern. But you need to prepare for the fact that, most likely, you will have to resort to a caesarean section. The baby is already very large, and there are rare cases when at this stage he is able to turn his head down. And natural births with a breech presentation, that is, when the baby “sits” in the tummy on the bottom, and his legs are below, are very dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

The fetus at 35 weeks of gestation continues to deposit fatty tissue. The baby's shoulders become rounded and soft. The hair that envelops the child’s body, the so-called lanugo, practically disappears by this time. The approximate weight of the fetus at week 35 is two and a half kilograms, and its height is close to forty centimeters.

It becomes increasingly difficult to cope with insomnia at night. The fetus puts pressure on the bladder, and the expectant mother has to run to the toilet several times a night.

And the child does not feel as comfortable as before: there is less and less room in the uterus for maneuvers. The baby's kicks are accompanied by the appearance of tubercles on the abdomen, and now the mother can not only feel, but also see the fetus kicking. Try to get enough sleep, gain strength and limit yourself to food. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult to get rid of excess weight problems after pregnancy.

At week 35, you need to prepare for childbirth, collect all the necessary documents and things, and decide on a maternity hospital. In general, be on your guard!

It is unknown when contractions will start and you will have to go to the hospital.

There are often cases when childbirth occurs not exactly at the fortieth week, but at the time preceding it. And this is also the norm, so you shouldn’t worry too much about it.

Types of diaphragmatic hernias

In medicine, a classification of diaphragmatic hernias has been developed, according to which several types can be distinguished. So, a hernia can be observed in a baby that has barely been born, and then it is considered congenital. If injuries lead to its formation, either a true hernia or a false hernia is diagnosed.

In the first case, it is assumed that the patient has grown a hernial sac; in the second case, it is absent, but a hole appears in the diaphragm. A diaphragmatic hernia caused by innervation is called neuropathic. And it also happens that the esophagus passes through the resulting hole, in which case the diagnosis will be a hernia of the natural openings of the diaphragm.

How to reduce rib pain during pregnancy?

Getting rid of any ailments during pregnancy should occur with minimal risk to the fetus, therefore drug therapy is a last resort method. Pain in the ribs during pregnancy cannot be treated with pharmaceutical drugs, but the underlying causes often have to be treated.

Instead of treatment, doctors give recommendations - these are safety measures and techniques that alleviate the mother’s condition. First of all, the doctor prohibits all physical activity: it often increases the pain, and even during pregnancy, sports are prohibited.

Other measures to alleviate the condition include:

Posture control:
it is important to watch your back when moving, walking, try to keep your back straight when sitting, and ensure proper rest for the musculoskeletal system.
Sleep in a comfortable position.
During pregnancy, it is better to sleep on your side and place a bolster or orthopedic pillow under your knees. Orthopedic collars, a mattress and a pillow often help the expectant mother with many unpleasant sensations.
Convenience and comfort of clothing.
Things that a woman wore before pregnancy cannot be worn while carrying a baby. In addition to the growing belly, swelling often appears, so even slight pressure and discomfort in the area of cuffs, collars, calves, and especially the abdomen, are unacceptable. During pregnancy, a properly selected bra is very important, and the use of a bandage is also acceptable.
Knee-elbow pose.
This is the only acceptable and even recommended exercise during pregnancy. Standing in this position for 10-15 minutes a day relieves swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs, lower back, ribs and even protects against uterine tone.
Breathing exercises.
Proper breathing is very important for an expectant mother. If pain in the ribs is associated with neuralgic problems, diseases of the spine, spasms, the supply of oxygen significantly alleviates the symptoms. Before gymnastics, you need to ventilate the room well, then do the following: take a deep breath, simultaneously raising your arms up, and lower your arms as you exhale.
Proper nutrition.
In order to prevent the exacerbation or occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases, blockage of blood vessels with cholesterol, it is necessary to exclude fatty and fried foods, give preference to fermented milk products, cereals, vegetables and fruits, light soups, taking into account the allergenicity of the products.
Yoga for pregnant women.
A wonderful way to brighten up your pregnancy is to do special yoga, but in no case at home with a video trainer: you need to sign up for group classes, where the trainer can point out mistakes and help you complete tasks correctly.