Is this heartburn?

[MaMaPo]

I'm 26 weeks and I'm wondering if I'm getting heartburn. The problem is, I've never had it before, and the symptoms I feel don't really sound like what's listed in various places.

About 2 weeks ago I noticed that around mealtimes (but not confined to then) I would feel a tightness in my chest under the left breast - it feels nothing so much as a cramp in the muscle there. I've been prone to muscle cramps since puberty and I get them in the weirdest places, so I didn't think much of this, especially as it coincided with the final arrival of a proper-looking bump.

However, it's such a strange sensation that I thought I'd check and see if anyone's else's experience of heartburn sounds similar to this. I haven't felt anything like acidic taste in the throat, reflux, or burning.

Perhaps it's time to buy something for indigestion and see if it has any effect.

Opinions? Thanks!

Honestly, doesn't really sound like heartburn. heartburn feels like just that- a burning sensation in your aesophogus- right in the middle, above your boobs. Could be some kind of indigestion- since being pregnant, I get a lot up upper back ache after eating. Or it could be your rib cage expanding- I have a lot of tenderness there too. As your uterus has moved up a long way, your ribs move and your intercostal muscles can get a bit crampy and sore. If you're worried though, always better to get it checked by a doctor.

I agree, it doesn't sound like heartburn, which is a bit of a misnomer really, they should call it "horrendous-backwards-flowing-river-of-acidic-doom". It feels like battery acid creeping up your throat

londonmrss, that's interesting - have also got upper backache which does come on at night after dinner. I was attributing it to weird sleeping changes (trying not to sleep on back) and the fatigue of a day on my feet. However, now I realise that the tight pains in both my front and back are at around the same place, so could be part of the same thing.

I wonder, if it's indigestion as opposed to 'true' heartburn then something like Gaviscon may still be helpful.

I really hope it isn't heartburn as I am addicted to chili and really don't want to have to give it up!

I think you should get it checked out rather than asking here. Pain above the bump can be an indication of epi gastric pain. Good info here

Not wanting to scare you, but do take any pains during pregnancy seriously & do not self diagnose.

Thanks for the info different - I wouldn't generally take this route but I guess the feeling is much less 'pain' and much more 'discomfort' (I misspoke above), especially as it feels so similar to muscular cramp which I seem to be getting everywhere.

However, the burning sensation and taste of acid I got after I went to bed last night seems indicative of heartburn! But I will definitely get it checked out when I'm next seeing my doctor.