Horrendous heartburn, chest/rib pain and swelling

[mumtobejuly2022]

I’m 36+1 and I’m just looking for some advice. I’ve had bad swelling in my feet and ankles since around 20 weeks of pregnancy and it’s now in my hands and around the eyes. You can see the fingerprint indentation. I’ve always been dismissed by midwives as it is considered ‘normal’ but I feel there is a deeper issue. Last night I woke up with horrendous heartburn where medicine wouldn’t even take it away. It was causing me chest pain and rib pain. I was struggling to breathe and wheezing. Anyway, I phoned the labour ward today and they told me they didn’t need to see me as it all sounds ‘pretty normal for being 36 weeks pregnant’. Has anyone else had this issue ?

I have pre eclampsia. No flashing lights or headaches or rib pain. Like you I had swelling form early on in pregnancy that worsened but that was it. I felt completely fine. Got a shock when I went to my appointment as my BP was raised so they did bloods and urine test and confirmed pre eclampsia. So your midwives are wrong that you should have headaches and flashing lights.

Last night I woke up with horrendous heartburn where medicine wouldn’t even take it away. It was causing me chest pain and rib pain. I was struggling to breathe and wheezing

This sounds like the ‘epi-gastric’ pain I was told to watch out for. Don’t let them dismiss you today @mumtobejuly2022

I would call and ask to be seen before 12pm - in the hospital, not with your usual midwife.

@DottieDe yes they’ve always said it’s been normal with me but that it has gotten worse since the last check at 32 weeks. But they haven’t checked it to know it’s normal so I don’t understand how they can say it is without looking at it.

I’m so glad you have relief now and that nothing was wrong. I hope that is the same with me but can’t help but worry!

Hope you are seen and taken seriously OP. I second PPs advice not to leave until you’re reassured by them ruling any problems out.

@MuchTooTired no don’t worry you haven’t scared me! I’d much rather know the worst case scenario so I can try and mentally prepare myself 😂

my hospital bags are all packed, I had them packed weeks ago to save me stressing towards the end!

@InnocentWarrier preclampsia can present in so many different ways it seems. Regardless if you have one symptom or none at all I feel like preclampsia should be routinely tested for.

what is epi-gastric pain? 😳

It always was routinely tested for, things have changed if it isn't now!

Feeling ignored and dismissed by your midwife is the absolute worst and I hope they sort it today!

I just wanted to balance the posts on here while you wait in case you were completely freaking out (I would be!)

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor ive only ever had tests for blood pressure, urine and bloods at my first midwife appointment and I’m sure at 28 weeks for blood count etc

I will bring this up too about the blood tests

Oh wow, things have changed. It was monthly from the start 20 years ago and good job too as mine was picked up at 26 weeks with an almost over night change in BP. MW said if I didn't go to hospital there and then she would shut the clinic and drive me herself! Good job too as no other signs at all at that point. Ds was delivered at 32 weeks.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor Oh wow! I couldn’t even imagine how you felt in that situation! That is so scary but glad he was delivered safely.

I’ve only seen my midwife at 8, 16, 22, 28 and 32 weeks. This will be my 36 week check. I only have a few more to go.

@mumtobejuly2022 I was told that epi-gastric pain was a symptom of worsening pre-eclampsia and to come straight to hospital if I got it ( I got discharged home after a week as I am currently stable on BP meds and I’m in twice a week for monitoring). When I asked how I would know what it is they said women find it hard to describe but it’s a extremely painful type of rib pain/indigestion and I’d know when I had it as it won’t feel like anything I’ve felt before.so it sounds like what you had to me!

Yes,it's like the worst reflux/ indigestion/pain.

I still didn't realise what it was until after I'd delivered! That's why getting checked is so important.

@InnocentWarrier oh my 😳 I had already told them I had rib pain, if that’s a sign of worsening preclampsia then I’m quite worried. You are being currently being monitored for that - how many weeks pregnant are you?

I can only describe the pain as a very sore burning just at the ribs. Seems to get worse at night. I feel like I have a constant lump in my throat. Lying down makes it worse. My throat is constantly on fire and medication isn’t helping.

That sounds like reflux with the link in your throat. Try chewing gum, I know it sounds mad but it really helps.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor I’ve had heartburn/indigestion/acid since I got pregnant but it’s only got worse in the third trimester I have it constantly every day. I’ve tried everything - packets and packets of tablets, liquid medicine, I got things prescribed from the doctor, tried gum/mints and only drinking water. It’s hell 🤢

@mumtobejuly2022 I got diagnosed with pre eclampsia at 31+5 I am now 36+5 and baby is likely arriving once I’m over 37!

@mumtobejuly2022 if you don’t mind me asking are you having a c section or natural birth?

@mumtobejuly2022 I’m having a c-section! With BP already raised I don’t want to be putting my body under extra pressure going through labour especially as it’s my first and I don’t know how it’ll go. It’s my choice as I’ve a friend on BP meds for life now after going through labour with raised BP and she’s been told it’d be too dangerous for her to have any more children so I figure I’ll just get baby out safely and deal with c section recovery afterwards! My consultant did say he would’ve recommended a c-section anyway though so I guess I’d likely be having one anyway even if I didn’t want it!

Just an update for everyone, I got seen by one of the midwives from the hospital who said that yesterday the way I was treated was wrong and that she wanted to see me today as she felt my care was neglected. She was so lovely and I couldn’t fault her one bit.

i have no protein in my urine, my blood pressure is slightly high so they have taken bloods and I will find out the results tonight. The swelling seems normal but may be connected to the high blood pressure (preclampsia). I am now being monitored weekly.

Brilliant news !

That’s great. Glad they’re taking it seriously. Best of luck!