Symptoms Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Symptoms of heartburn should never be ignored during pregnancy. These symptoms indicate that a part of your body is not working properly internally. We will now point out the symptoms of this problem:
1. Sore throat and sore throat
2. Difficulty swallowing
5. Sudden pain in the back or shoulders
6. Feeling dizzy or light-headed
7. Chest pain
8. Sweating too much
How Do I Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy
When youre growing a human being, you dont have time for that yucky acid reflux. But your usual go-to methods for treating it may not be safe for your unborn baby.
Instead, here are some of the safest and best ways to get rid of heartburn when youre pregnant:
Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Pregnancy Heartburn
Heres some good news: Although heartburn is one of the biggest complaints during pregnancy, its also one of the easiest to treat for many people, says Dr. Ruiz.
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference. For example, eating smaller and more frequent meals may be enough for relief. This helps the stomach expand less, potentially reducing any problematic pressure against the lower esophageal sphincter. As an added bonus, the approach tends to be better for keeping energy levels consistent, Dr. Ruiz says. If heartburn at night is a problemand even if its notits helpful to avoid eating within two to three hours before bed, he adds.
The kind of advice given to non-pregnant heartburn sufferers about diet applies here, too. That means staying away from highly acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and onions, as well as spicy choices that may kick off more acid production. Dr. Gray says three options that tend to exacerbate heartburn during pregnancy are chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Another hack: Sleep with your upper body elevated slightly7, so its at least above the height of your stomach. You can prop up the top of your bed, use an adjustable bed frame, or sleep on a wedge pillow. That may be difficult as your pregnancy progresses and you cant lie on your back, but if youre in the first or second trimester, it may be a way to get relief from nighttime heartburn.
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When Can I Expect Heartburn To End
Someday, scientists may very well invent a miracle medication that promises permanent pregnancy heartburn relief. Unfortunately, that hasnt happened yet.
So, if youre wondering how long you can expect to deal with heartburn while youre pregnant, it will probably be throughout your entire pregnancy.
However, just because theres no cure, that doesnt mean you cant find some relief in the meantime.
Foods That Help Heartburn
If you want to know how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast, one of the best ways is to look at what youre eating.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Try to avoid processed foods and cook at home so you can control the ingredients.
Heres a list of foods that help heartburn.
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Slippery Elm Bark And Marshmallow Root
Some mamas find relief from mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm bark and marshmallow root. Due to their gummy consistency, they coat the intestines and soothe digestion. Be sure to use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner and away from food and supplementsthey can interfere with nutrient absorption.
Can I Take Over
Nonprescription heartburn relievers, such as Tums® or Maalox®, can help you feel better. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking antacids. They may contain high sodium levels, which can cause you to retain water. Some also have aluminum in them, which isnt safe to consume during pregnancy. Your provider can recommend an antacid thats safe during pregnancy.
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What Treatments Help With Pregnancy Heartburn Relief
Youve cut out chocolate , propped up for sleep, cut out the tomato sauce and peppermint, but the heartburn is still there. So, what now? Whats the best medication to take for heartburn while pregnant?
The next step is to try an over-the-counter antacid like Tums, Maalox, or Gaviscon, says Dr. Ruiz. They work by neutralizing stomach acid8, so even if it does come up, it wont burn. With lifestyle tweaks, an occasional antacid tends to help about 70% of his patients, and its considered a safe, conservative method.
If the issue is still burning strong, thats when you switch over to the next level, he says, which means a low dose of Pepcid, which is part of a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. These work by reducing the amount of stomach acid thats secreted by the glands in the lining of your stomach.9 This is also considered safe to use during pregnancy but its best to try other approaches first if your heartburn is mild, says Dr. Ruiz.
A small percentage of people will still experience problems past this point, and thats when prescription options like proton pump inhibitors might be considered, which block the production of stomach acid, Dr. Gray says. The most common in pregnancy is Protonix, which the Food and Drug Administration has classified10 as a category B drug, meaning its safe to take during pregnancy.
What Causes Bad Acid Reflux At 38 Weeks Of Pregnancy
Acid reflux is absolutely atrocious when you are at 38 weeks of pregnancy. I have experienced it twice. It is one of the worst feelings you have when tired, exhausted, carrying the 7-pound baby around your belly 24/7.
Acid reflux or heartburn can occur any time during pregnancy, and you can blame it on pregnancy hormones like anything else during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones cause the sphincter muscle to relax, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus, causing heartburn. Also, a babys growth can squish the stomach, causing stomach acids to enter the esophagus rather than stay in, which is why some pregnant women vomit stomach acid in the middle of the night.
So, heartburn or acid reflux is unavoidable when the baby is full-term and you have loose sphincter muscles.
But what can you do to relieve acid reflux in the third trimester?
Relieving acid reflux or heartburn at 38 weeks is trial and error. There is no universal remedy that works for everyone. So, you may need to try several until you find the one that gives you some relief.
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Heartburn And Indigestion In Pregnancy
Heartburn causes a burning feeling in the chest or throat. Its uncomfortable, but is not usually harmful to pregnant women or their babies.
8 out of 10 pregnant women experience heartburn. You’re most likely to get heartburn in the third trimester of your pregnancy.
The symptoms of heartburn include:
- a burning feeling in your chest or throat
- acid coming up into your mouth
- feeling sick
Feeling The Burn Tips To Manage Heartburn Gerd In Pregnancy
Heartburn is common in adults especiallyduring pregnancy. While some research suggests women who have moderateheartburn during pregnancy give birth to babies with fullerheads of hair, having symptoms more than twice a week might be asign of gastroesophageal reflux disease , or recurrent heartburn.
According to a study of 510 pregnant women, approximately 26% have GERD symptomsduring the first trimester. The rate jumps to 36% in the second trimester and51% during the third trimester. Thats substantial compared with the 20% of adults in the U.S. who experienceheartburn.
Why the increase in symptoms during pregnancy? Progesterone, a hormone that increases early in pregnancy, relaxessmooth muscle in the body. It helps your uterus stretch to accommodate thegrowing fetus, but also reduces the reliability of the esophageal sphincter aring-like structure that seals off stomach contents from the throat.
Increased pressure placed on the stomachexternally from the growing uterus, especially in the third trimester, can alsoworsen heartburn symptoms such as:
- Burning pain in the center of thechest, especially after eating
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Sore throat or cough
Thankfully, thereare several pregnancy-safe ways to deal with acute heartburn and ongoing casesof GERD.
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Be Careful What You Drink
Alcohol, coffee, and whole milk can all lead to heartburn, as can peppermint tea. Sodas and carbonated drinks may relax the LES and make your stomach acid more acidic, increasing your risk of heartburn. Highly acidic citrus juices such as orange and grapefruit can also cause acid reflux and heartburn in some people.13
Stay Positive And Enjoy The Experience
Staying positive and stress-free helps a lot while dealing with bad acid reflux at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The solution to heartburn is probably in your kitchen. Making certain dietary and lifestyle modifications and home remedies work for most healthy pregnant women. If any of these remedies do not work for you, try another.
The most important part is, you are growing a little miracle in your body, and trust me, they are worth the discomfort. However, if heartburn symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Did you have bad acid reflux at 38 weeks of pregnancy? What worked for you to reduce the episode of acid reflux? Leave your comments below.
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Food That Will Help Reduce Acid Reflux In The Third Trimester
Incorporating various pregnancy foods into your daily diet can help soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and acid reflux.
- Almonds
- Avocados
- Fermented food like flattened rice , sauerkraut is filled with good bacteria and enzymes. That helps our body naturally digest food by normalizing acid levels
- The alkaline nature of vegetable juices from cucumbers, carrots, or beets can help tame acid in the stomach
- Herbal tea such as peppermint
Dietary and lifestyle modification and adding suggested pregnancy food to your daily diet can help ease acid reflux during pregnancy.
How To Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn or indigestion may not be new for you. You may have had it during your first trimester and then it went away. But now, it’s back. And you’re likely wondering why.
Many pregnant women have heartburn at some point. The hormone progesterone relaxes the ring-like sphincter at the base of your esophagus. This normally closes off entry to the stomach. When it doesnt close, food mixed with digestive enzymes can back up into your esophagus. The result: irritation and a burning sensation in your chest. And in the third trimester, you can also feel full because your growing uterus is putting pressure on your stomach.
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When Can I Expect The Heartburn To End During Pregnancy
Unfortunately, heartburn is a symptom you’re likely to experience throughout your entire pregnancy if you have it at all.
In fact, even if you escaped indigestion early on in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you’ll have a surge starting around the second or third trimesters, when your uterus takes over your abdominal cavity and forces your stomach upwards.
Fortunately, the burn should clear up as soon as you give birth.
When Should I Talk To My Doctor
If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms , you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.
Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.
Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. Research indicates that medications called H2 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.
Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesnt respond to other treatments.
If youre concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.
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Otc Medications May Also Help
If changes to your lifestyle and diet don’t work, that’s when doctors may recommend medication.
- Antacids: “Most antacids are considered safe in pregnancy and are compatible with breastfeeding,” Sridhar says. Antacids are OTC medications like Rolaids, Tums, and Maalox. And while they may be OTC, if you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor before taking them.
- H2 blockers: If antacids don’t work, a doctor may prescribe H2 blockers like Pepcid. H2 blockers can relieve heartburn because they help you produce less hydrochloric acid in your stomach, thereby preventing heartburn before it even starts.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors: If antacids and H2 blockers don’t work, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors like Nexium or Prevacid.
Cut Out Smoking And Avoid Passive Inhalation Of Cigarette Smoke
Yes, another thing smoking is really bad for! Nicotine in cigarettes relaxes the muscles in the lower part of the esophagus, and as such is less likely to keep stomach acid at bay inside your stomach, causing the reflux.
As such, steer clear of smoking, and avoid being near others smoking as passive inhalation can have the same effect.
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Foods For Pregnancy Heartburn Relief
It is important to wash fruits and vegetables properly before peeling and/or eating to avoid harmful bacteria and germs. Raw fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with bacteria that can lead to serious illness.
Fruits for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief:
Vegetables for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief:
The alkalinity of many vegetables helps balance stomach acid. If you are a juicer, try making up your own blend that works well for your system. If not, there are many juice blends available at the grocery. The best choice, however, is to learn to eat more vegetables.
- Mixed vegetable juice. Look for a juice or create a blend that had mostly alkaline vegetables.
- Cabbage juice is alkaline and helps neutralize stomach acid. Cabbage juice has many other medicinal benefits and can even heal stomach ulcers.
- Potato juice is alkaline and helps neutralize acid and aids in healing the lining of the esophagus and stomach. When preparing potato juice, avoid green potatoes they contain toxins that are harmful to the fetus.
- Other alkaline vegetables that help neutralize acid are:
- Celery
- Beets
Other Foods for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief:
Herbal Teas for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief:
There is very little data on the use of herbs in pregnant women which means the safety of their use in teas is questionable due to the unknown. Herbal teas may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, or harm to the fetus.
Please consult your doctor before using herbal teas.
Causes Of Indigestion In Pregnancy
Symptoms of indigestion come when the acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or your gullet. This causes pain and a burning feeling.
When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to have indigestion because of:
- hormonal changes
- the growing baby pressing on your stomach
- the muscles between your stomach and gullet relaxing, allowing stomach acid to come back up
You may be more likely to get indigestion in pregnancy if:
- you had indigestion before you were pregnant
- you’ve been pregnant before
- you’re in the later stages of pregnancy
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Why Is Stomach Acid Important
- begins the breakdown of fat and protein
- digests food and breaks it down so that when it moves into the small intestine it will stimulate the gallbladder to release bile and the pancreas to release pancreatic enzymes.
- when the bodys pH is too high minerals and vitamins can not/have a hard being absorbed by the body
- Vitamins bound to protein cannot be unbound without being properly broken down by stomach acid.
- without the right amount of stomach acid, malabsorption of food occurs possibly leading to malnutrition .
Why Am I Getting Heartburn
Heartburn is extremely common in pregnancy. Many or most women will get heartburn in the last trimester of pregnancy when the baby puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause the stomach contents to be pushed up the esophagus.
But some women can get heartburn even early on in pregnancy, as early as the first trimester. This is because pregnancy hormones cause the digestive system to slow down.
Heres a little lesson in anatomy: the esophagus connects to the stomach through an opening called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter . The LES is supposed to be fully closed shortly after eating a meal. This keeps stomach acid in the stomach. In pregnancy the muscles of the esophagus are more relaxed and contract more slowly. This can allow stomach acid to come back up the esophagus, which causes the burning feeling that many women experience.
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