What Causes Heartburn While Pregnant

Foods That Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy

Carrying an embryo inside and nurturing it until it turns to a fully developed baby is indeed an arduous task. Along with emotional and hormonal changes within, there are many physical changes that a pregnant woman goes through as well.

While the external changes are most noticeable to others around you include a protruding belly, swollen ankles or glowing face, internal changes include an excessive urge to pee, tender breasts, and heartburn.

This article will tell you about the foods that cause heartburn during pregnancy.

Stress Feeds Stomach Problems

In addition to the food consumed, changing pregnancy hormones and physical changes, it is emotions that trigger heartburn or heartburn. The stress experienced can occur with stomach problems both during and after pregnancy.

In order not to experience stress in every moment of life, we should see the quality of life and the difference in the perspective of the world and learn not to worry about all the problems. It is important for these to receive the necessary psychological support from specialist doctors, especially during pregnancy, in order to have a quality pregnancy and ensure that the baby is born in physical and mental health.

Does Water Help With Heartburn

Drinking water during the later stages of digestion can reduce acidity and GERD symptoms. Often, there are pockets of high acidity, between a pH or 1 and 2, just below the esophagus. By drinking tap or filtered water a little while after a meal, you can dilute the acid there, which can result in less heartburn.

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Symptoms Of Indigestion And Heartburn

Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:

• a burning sensation or pain in the chest
• feeling full, heavy or bloated
• burping or belching
• feeling or being sick
• bringing up food

Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.

You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.

Does Heartburn Mean Hairy Baby

MYTH OR TRUTH: Heartburn means a hairy baby. Answer: TRUTH!

Heartburn usually strikes in the third trimester and is due to estrogen causing the esophageal sphincter to relax, which allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. Estrogen appears to be responsible for hair growth in the developing baby.

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What Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

People use the terms heartburn and acid reflux to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:

• Acid reflux refers to the LES not tightening as it should. This allows the stomach acid to travel from your stomach up to your esophagus.
• Heartburn, the feeling of pain or burning in your chest, is a symptom of acid reflux.

Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing.

That Uncomfortable Burning Sensation Can Be A Constant Companion For Women Who Are Expecting Learn About Heartburn Triggers And The Best Strategies For Quick Relief

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting mothers. Yet each trimester brings a multitude of challenges due to the demands of a growing baby, including fatigue and morning sickness.1 While mood swings and food cravings are common pregnancy topics, less is said about the toll it takes on basic bodily functionsincluding how the digestive system processes food when theres a baby on board.1

The reality is that many pregnant women experience heartburn, an uncomfortable, burning sensation in the chest that results from acid backing up in the esophagus.2 Heartburn can be very uncomfortable and getting quick relief is important to avoid further distress. Heres what you should know about the condition and its solutions.

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Can You Take Antacid During Pregnancy

Dealing with heartburn in pregnancy, especially in the last trimester when the feeling can really become unbearable, pushes many women to try over-the-counter antacids. As with any other medication, taking an antacid while pregnant should be discussed with your doctor, especially when it comes to defining the right dosage.

As a general rule, taking antacids made of calcium or magnesium is considered safe and effective if you want to alleviate heartburn. You can take an antacid when you start experiencing the symptoms, although your doctor could also advise you to actually take it before a meal or before going to bed as a preventative measure.

However, make sure you avoid taking antacids with aluminium for longer periods of time, as they can negatively impact the development of your babys nervous system. Another thing to bear in mind is that you should not take iron supplements at the same time as antacids, as they can prevent the absorption of iron. And lastly, when the big day is getting close it may be best to avoid antacids containing high doses of magnesium, as they can have a negative impact on uterine contractions during your labour. You dont have to completely cut them out, but dont take them too often and only when really needed.

How Can I Deal With Heartburn During Pregnancy

I’m in my second trimester. No matter what I eat, I get heartburn. Is this normal? If so, what can I do to feel better? Cari

Heartburn, despite its name, has nothing to do with the heart. It’s a burning feeling in the throat and chest when the stomach’s contents move back up into the esophagus .

Heartburn is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can make the valve at the entrance to the stomach relax so that it doesn’t close as it should. This lets acidic stomach contents move up into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux , or acid reflux. It can get worse later in pregnancy when the growing uterus presses up on the stomach.

To help ease heartburn pain:

• Skip foods and drinks that can make it worse, such as citrus spicy, fatty foods caffeine and carbonated drinks.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day.
• Take your time when eating.
• Drink liquids between not during meals.
• Avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before bedtime.
• Resist the urge to lie down after meals.
• Raise your head when you sleep.
• Talk to your doctor about medicines that are safe to take for heartburn during pregnancy.

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How Can I Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy

They say prevention is the best medicine, so knowing common heartburn triggers can help you keep the acid at bay.

Of course, pregnancy itself is a major trigger for heartburn. As your growing uterus puts pressure on your stomach, this pushes stomach acid up your throat.

Those lovely hormones are no help either. They tend to relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, which makes it easier for acid to make its way upward.

While theres nothing you can do to stop this entirely, there are a few things that can help prevent heartburn from flaring up during pregnancy:

Medicines For Indigestion And Heartburn

Medicines for indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy include:

• antacids to neutralise the acid in your stomach
• alginates to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by stopping the acid in your stomach coming back up your gullet

You may only need to take antacids and alginates when you start getting symptoms. However, your GP may recommend taking them before symptoms come on for example, before a meal or before bed.

If you’re taking iron supplements as well as antacids, do not take them at the same time. Antacids can stop iron from being absorbed by your body.

If antacids and alginates do not improve your symptoms, your GP may prescribe a medicine to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. 2 that are widely used in pregnancy and not known to be harmful to an unborn baby are:

• ranitidine a tablet you take twice a day
• omeprazole a tablet you take once a day

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Cut Down On Problematic Foods

Forget about foods that are very spicy, salty or fatty during your pregnancy

Spicy foods contain a chemical compound called capsaicin, which can irritate your oesophagus, worsening the symptoms of heartburn.

The connection between salt and heartburn remains a mystery for researchers, but the bottom line is that a diet high in sodium may be a cause of heartburn, even though generally healthy people do not seem to suffer from it. Avoiding salt in pregnancy is a general recommendation anyway, as salt promotes water retention, bloating and high blood pressure.

Lastly, fatty foods cause your lower oesophageal sphincter to relax, which again lets the stomach acid travel all the way up to your throat. Additionally, fat promotes the production of the hormone cholecystokinin, which enables the food to stay in your stomach for longer, thus increasing the risk of acid reflux.

Up for a bonus tip? Excellent! Have you ever thought about having a glass of Donat? Because this natural mineral water is a lot more than a sure-fire way to fight off slow digestion or constipation. If you suffer from acid reflux issues, drinking Donat will neutralise the stomach acid in your food pipe and help get rid of that burning feeling!

Heartburn Symptoms And Pre

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious, such as pre-eclampsia. A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia usually has high blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. Pre-eclampsia could also seriously affect a woman’s liver, blood and brain. Any pregnant woman can experience pre-eclampsia â almost 1 in 20 Australian women will develop it.

Because pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, you should let your doctor know if your heartburn medicine is not working. This is especially important if you’re also feeling very unwell or you have:

• sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face
• a headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
• problems with your eyesight such as blurring or seeing flashing lights or dots
• a strong pain below your ribs

Find out more about how pre-eclampsia is treated here.

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What Medications Are Safe To Take During Pregnancy

Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox may help you cope with occasional heartburn symptoms. Those made of calcium carbonate or magnesium are good options.

However, it may be best to avoid magnesium during the last trimester of pregnancy. Magnesium could interfere with contractions during labor.

Most doctors recommend avoiding antacids that contain high levels of sodium. These antacids can lead to a buildup of fluid in the tissues.

You should also avoid any antacids that list aluminum on the label, as in aluminum hydroxide or aluminum carbonate. These antacids can lead to constipation.

Finally, stay away from medications like Alka-Seltzer that may contain aspirin.

Ask your doctor for the best option. If you find yourself downing bottles of antacids, your heartburn may have progressed to gastroesophageal acid reflux disease . In that case, you may need a stronger treatment.

Stop Smoking If You Are A Smoker

The chemicals from cigarettes relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely. Symptoms may ease if you are a smoker and stop smoking. In any case, it is strongly advised that pregnant women should not smoke for other reasons as well. See the separate leaflet called Pregnancy and Smoking.

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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.

Foods That Help With Heartburn During Pregnancy

There are certain foods that double as natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy. Some of these home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy may work well for certain women but not for others. Find out what works best for you among these foods that help with heartburn during pregnancy.

• It is recommended to eat multiple small low-acid meals per day, and to avoid lying down during an hour of eating.
• Melons and bananas are good as they have low acid content.
• Fermented foods.

Foods that contain probiotics, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and tempeh, are incredibly beneficial for digestion. They are full of enzymes and they help to promote the secretion of digestive juices. This keeps things running smoothly and prevents problems like indigestion and heartburn.

• Green vegetables such as broccoli, beans.
• Bread, especially whole grain.

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Heartburn Often Appears During The Second Trimester And It Can Get Worse As Your Belly Grows Learn More About What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy With Five Expert Tips For Relieving The Pain

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Like the name implies, heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest but it has nothing to do with your heart. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter , a muscle responsible for keeping stomach contents in their place, begins to relax or leak. This allows stomach acids to flow upward into the esophagus, explains Suzanne Trupin, M.D., CEO of Women’s Health Practice of Champaign, Ill.

Unfortunately, “most women will experience some acid reflux , especially in the second half of their pregnancy,” says Shari Brasner, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. The uncomfortable sensation tends to get worse as your baby grows.

Heartburn usually appears after meals or at bedtime, and it can range from uncomfortable to agonizing. Understanding the causes and prevention strategies can provide relief to expectant moms. Heres what you need to know about heartburn in pregnancy.

Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn in pregnancy may happen because of changing hormone levels, which can affect the muscles of the digestive tract and how your body handles different foods.

Pregnancy hormones can cause your lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus. Also, as your baby grows, your enlarged uterus can crowd the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward. Although it’s rare, gallstones can also cause heartburn during pregnancy.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux And Indigestion In Pregnancy

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They can include one or more of the following:

• Heartburn. This is a burning sensation which rises from the upper tummy or lower chest up towards the neck.
• Waterbrash. This is a sudden flow of sour-tasting saliva in your mouth.
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Pain in the centre of the chest behind the breastbone .
• Feeling sick and being sick .
• Bloating.
• Quickly feeling full after eating.

Symptoms tend to occur in bouts which come and go, rather than being present all the time. They may begin at any time during pregnancy but happen more often, or are more severe, in the last three months of pregnancy. As soon as the baby is born, indigestion due to pregnancy usually disappears quickly.

Note: various other problems, associated with pregnancy and unrelated to pregnancy, are sometimes confused with indigestion. For example, pain in the right or left of the upper abdomen is not usually due to indigestion. Excessive vomiting is not usually due to indigestion. If symptoms change, or are not typical, or become severe, or are repeated , you should see your doctor.

How Can Heartburn During Pregnancy Be Prevented

You can take steps to reduce heartburn symptoms without hurting your baby.

Dietary changes:

• Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
• Eat slowly.
• Drink between your meals, but not with meals.
• Avoid fried, spicy or fatty foods.
• Avoid citrus fruits and juices.
• Limit caffeine.
• Dont smoke and avoid alcohol. Besides causing heartburn, smoking and drinking during pregnancy can cause health problems for the baby.

Other tips to avoid heartburn during pregnancy:

• Sit up straight when you eat.
• Dont eat late at night.
• Dont lie down right after eating.
• Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of the bed. Or try placing pillows under your shoulders. Doing so helps prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest.

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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

What Makes It Better

For most women, things that help reduce acid production or prevent reux are helpful in avoiding the discomfort of heartburn. Here are tips that may help:

• Avoid classic spicy foods, as well as those with lots of fat or grease. Many people recommend avoiding citrus and chocolate, as well.

• Eat multiple, small meals spread throughout the day, much like grazing, instead of three big meals.

• Try elevating the head of your bed by several inches, and wait a while after eating before going to bed or lying down.

Some women find that its better to drink fluids between meals, rather than with a meal. This can increase the amount of contents in the stomach.

If your symptoms do not improve after the above recommended diet and lifestyle changes are in place, talk with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medicines. Antacids are available as chewable tablets and liquids. They work by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach and neutralizing stomach acid. Heartburn medicines called H2-blockers work by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach. Although most of these are considered safe in pregnancy, as with all medicines, these should be avoided in the first trimester.

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