Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women. Between 50 and 80 percent of pregnant women experience heartburn at some point during their pregnancy. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus, and it can be quite uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of heartburn during pregnancy, as well as some tips on how to manage it.
Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash
Table of Contents
Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to experience heartburn due to changes in hormones and the pressure that the growing uterus puts on the stomach. Hormonal changes cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, which can allow stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus. The expanding uterus can also push against the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to get into the esophagus. Also, during pregnancy, digestion tends to slow down, giving the stomach more time to produce acid.
Tips for Managing Heartburn During Pregnancy
Although heartburn is common during pregnancy, there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms. Here are a few tips for managing heartburn during pregnancy:
• Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn. Common triggers include spicy foods, oily and fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three large meals.
• Avoid lying down after eating or drinking.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches with blocks or books under the bedposts to help keep stomach acid in its place.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Talk to your doctor about taking antacids or other medications that are safe for pregnant women. Some of the best antacid medications for pregnant women can be found over the counter.
When to See a Doctor
If your heartburn is severe or not responding to home treatment, it’s important to see your doctor. If you experience other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or loss of appetite, these could be signs of a more serious problem and you should seek medical help right away. If your blood pressure is also elevated, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, and you should get yourself checked.
Myths about Heartburn During Pregnancy
Finally, it’s important to address some of the myths about heartburn during pregnancy. One common misconception is that heartburn can harm your baby, but this is not true. Heartburn does not affect your baby in any way and will usually go away after you give birth. Another myth is that eating spicy foods can cause heartburn. While this can be one of the triggers for some people, there are many other common triggers that may also contribute to your heartburn. And the last myth is that heartburn only occurs in the third trimester. While it is more common during this time, you can experience heartburn throughout your entire pregnancy.
There are many old wives’ tales associated with pregnancy, one of the most common is that the more heartburn you have, the more hair the baby has – this is not true, and one I can say from a personal experience. My second child was born with no hair, and I had the most horrendous heartburn!
Although heartburn can be uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. If your symptoms persist or become severe, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. With these tips and a little patience, you should be able to successfully manage heartburn during pregnancy.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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