Heartburn is a burning feeling in the throat and chest. This happens when the stomach contents move back into the food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is a typical occurrence during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can cause the valve at the stomach’s entrance to relax, making it difficult for the valve to close properly. Thus, letting the food or contents in the stomach float back into the food pipe and causing heartburn. It can be prevented by avoiding trigger foods like fried, oily, or extremely spicy foods and drinks and avoiding lying down after eating.
Heartburn usually starts in the second or third trimester and tends to be worse after meals. Heartburn during pregnancy can be severe enough to require medical treatment. Antacids are often used to relieve heartburn, but you should use this medicine with caution during pregnancy. If you are experiencing severe heartburn, you should talk to your doctor about medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Let’s discuss this in detail:
The Exact Causes of a Heartburn
Heartburn happens when the valve between the stomach and esophagus fails to keep stomach acid from returning to the esophagus. The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve during pregnancy, which might cause heartburn to occur more frequently. This allows stomach acid to flow into the esophagus and irritates the lining.
During the third trimester, heartburn and indigestion are more common because the growing uterus puts pressure on the intestines and stomach. The pressure on the stomach may cause the material to flow back into the esophagus.
Symptoms of Heartburn
- Burning sensation in the chest to the stomach.
- A sour taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Pain when lying down or bending over.
What Heartburn Feels Like
Heartburn during pregnancy feels like a burning sensation in the chest and may even radiate to the neck, throat, or face. Heartburn is often worse at night, when lying down, or after eating a large meal. Heartburn during pregnancy can be severe and uncomfortable, but it is not harmful to the baby.
Treatment for Heartburn
1. Doctor prescribed medication
Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox can help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. Patients suffering from heartburn should take Antacids with meals and at bedtime. Heartburn during pregnancy can also be treated with prescription medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors.
2. Healthy Eating
Heartburn during pregnancy can be prevented by avoiding trigger foods and drinks, eating small meals, and avoiding lying down after eating. Heartburn triggers vary from person to person, but common triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, caffeine, chocolate, and carbonated beverages. Heartburn during pregnancy can also be prevented by eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly.
Eating healthier food choices like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn.
See Also: Can Pregnant Women Eat Pizza and How to Make a Healthy One!
3. Sitting Upright
Heartburn during pregnancy can be alleviated by sitting upright or standing after meals. Gravity helps in keeping the stomach acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus. Heartburn during pregnancy can also be relieved by sleeping on your left side.
4. Wearing Loose Clothes
Heartburn during pregnancy can be aggravated by tight clothing that puts pressure on the stomach. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can help alleviate the stress on the stomach and reduce heartburn during pregnancy.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of heartburn and aggravate symptoms. If you are a smoker, quitting can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn.
Smoking also increases the risk:
- Smoking also increases the risk of heartburn during pregnancy. Smoking can weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
- Smoking also risks the baby’s health like low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Quitting is the best way to reduce the risk of heartburn during pregnancy.
6. Avoiding Alcohol
Heartburn is caused by the acidic stomach contents rising into the esophagus. This is more likely to happen when you are lying down or bending over, and it can be made worse by certain foods and drinks – including alcohol.
Alcohol can relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Heartburn during pregnancy can be prevented by avoiding alcohol.
Getting Medical Help
Heartburn is a common condition, especially for pregnant women that can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It is often caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn can also be caused by certain foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol. While heartburn is generally not a severe condition, it can be quite uncomfortable. During your pregnancy, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is chronic acid reflux that can damage the esophagus and lead to other health problems. Pregnant women having GERD can face symptoms like a burning sensation behind the breast bone or in the chest with a sour or salty taste at the back of the throat. Another thing would be that the baby would start pressing against the stomach inducing pressure in the mother’s chest and womb. If you think you may have GERD, you must see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There are several effective treatments for GERD, so getting help can significantly improve your health.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy can be prevented by avoiding trigger foods and drinks, eating small meals, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating. If heartburn persists, it is best to consult a doctor.
FAQs
What is heartburn during pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves back into the esophagus. Heartburn during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but it is generally not a severe condition.
What are the symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy?
The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Other symptoms may include belching, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth. Heartburn can be triggered by certain foods and drinks, including spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Heartburn often feels worse when lying down or bending over.
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy is caused by acid reflux. Acidic reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up in the food pipe, causing discomfort. The cause of this acid reflux is certain foods that are fatty, fried, oily or even spicy foods consumed by the mother.
How can I prevent heartburn during pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy can be prevented by avoiding trigger foods and drinks, eating small meals, and avoiding lying down after eating. If heartburn persists, it is best to consult a doctor.
What can I do to relieve heartburn during pregnancy?
There are several things you can do to relieve heartburn during pregnancy. Avoid trigger foods and drinks, eat small meals, and avoid lying down after eating. You can also try over-the-counter antacids or ask your doctor about prescription medications.
Does water help heartburn?
Drinking water can help wash away stomach acid that has refluxed into the esophagus. Water can also help keep the stomach full, reducing the chances of acid reflux.
Can heartburn during pregnancy harm my baby?
Heartburn in pregnancy is not usually a cause for concern. However, if heartburn is severe or persistent, it might indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is long-term acid reflux that can erode the esophagus and lead to other health issues. If you think you may have GERD, you must see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux. Indigestion is a general term that describes various gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and belching. Indigestion and heartburn can be caused by the same things, such as food, drink, and lifestyle factors. However, they are two different conditions.
