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Does The Metasternum Get Affected During Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 7 Jun 2017

Question: Can xiphoid process be affected after pregnancy? Mine seems a little uncomfortable and I've never had an issue before, but had a baby 7 months ago and just started noticing this a month ago.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide some more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question.
Can you please provide some more explanation of your question, so I can understand it better and give a more accurate answer?

- What do you mean with the fact that you feel a little comfortable in the xiphoid process?
- do you feel pain when you touch the bone or the are around it?
- Describe the pain/the uncomfortable feeling please?
- Do you have any other symptoms?- burning in your stomach? acidity in your mouth? ect

The most common cause of discomfort in that area is that pregnancy affects and causes stomach discomfort/problems sometimes. These problems go away after delivery, unless you have gained a lot of weight which comes from fat in your abdomen mostly.

Looking forward to your follow up question.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

It feels like gas or a tightness, right in this area, where my bra would sit. I asked my grandmother's hospice nurse regarding what is located there and that ive had infigestion, burping a lot and if that could be the reason but i thought the pregnancy could have affected this area bc ive never fealt anything here before. I dont have burning. Could i have strained this area from picking up my almost 40lb toddler, i do this often

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Issue related to acid in the stomach

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the extra information.
From your description it is clear that it is related with your stomach and not because of a strain while lifting weights.

Here are my recommendations :
- Eat often and small amounts.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and spicy foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink cleaner water.
- Take Omeprazole 20 mg, or Lansoprazole 15 mg once /day before food for 2-4 weeks.
- Take an antiacid the first week of Omeprazole or Lansoprazole is not enough to relieve the discomfort.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj