How Do You Stop Heartburn While Pregnant
How Can I Deal With Heartburn During Pregnancy?
How Early Do You Get Heartburn In Pregnancy
Indigestion symptoms often manifest themselves shortly after eating or drinking, although there are instances in which there is a lag time between eating and the onset of these symptoms. It is possible to experience symptoms at any time during your pregnancy however, they tend to become more prevalent around 27 weeks.
What Causes Heartburn In Pregnancy
But whyyyyyy you may be moaning, as you clutch your throat. Unfortunately, you cant point to just one causeexperts generally believe that its a combination of factors, including those pregnancy hormones that may decrease the pressure of the valve separating your stomach from your esophagus.
But you also have to consider that when youre pregnant, your body is expanding, most notably in your abdomen. As your baby grows, your uterus grows, too. And as your uterus swells, it pushes against your stomach, causing an increase in intraabdominal pressurethat causes reflux.
Recommended Reading: Does Fish Oil Help With Constipation
Also Check: Can You Take 2 Probiotics A Day
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 Acid Reflux And Gerd During Pregnancy

Its called heartburn, although that burning feeling in your chest has nothing to do with the heart. Uncomfortable and frustrating, it bothers many women, particularly during pregnancy.
The first question you may have is how to make it stop. You may also wonder if treatments are safe for your baby. Learn what causes heartburn during pregnancy and what you can do about it.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Microbiome Made Of
How To Lower Your Risk Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
For some women, diet and lifestyle changes during pregnancy can lessen the likelihood of heartburn. Suggestions from OB/GYNs include: monitoring overall food consumption, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and reducing caffeine intake.2 Avoid eating or drinking too close to bedtime and stay away from spicy and fatty foods to lower your risk of occasional heartburn after dinner and at night.2 As far as specific items are concerned, citrus fruits and chocolate have been linked to trigger heartburn during pregnancy.6
Is Heartburn A Sign Of Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are so many changes Taking place in your body.
Youll feel all kinds of things youve never felt before some good and some bad.
When youre trying to conceive, youll probably analyse everything you feel every month.
It can be difficult to tell whether symptoms you have are pregnancy symptoms or not.
Some symptoms are more obvious than others.
In this article, were focusing on heartburn as a pregnancy symptom.
Is heartburn a sign of pregnancy?
Recommended Reading: Gas And Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Also Check: How Long Does An Ibs Flare Up Typically Last
Ginger And Acupressure Relieve Morning Sickness
Answer: Old Wives Tale
Bad news for the 70 percent of pregnant women who experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: There is no truly reliable treatment for morning sickness. Authors of a Cochrane systematic review analyzed 27 studies involving more than 4,000 pregnant women and found that not a single commonly used remedy, including ginger, acupuncture, acupressure, vitamin B6 and anti-nausea drugs, could be deemed effective.
we found little evidence to support these popular therapies, says study co-author Dónal OMathúna, Ph.d., a senior lecturer at Dublin City University school of Nursing in ireland. But this doesnt mean you shouldnt try them . Some of these therapies might work for some women, OMathúna says. Plus, the placebo effect can be very powerful.
Dont Miss: Omeprazole Sodium Bicarbonate Side Effects
Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy 1 Week
Among the early signs of pregnancy, some are more well known than others.
Some of the more common pregnancy symptoms are:
- Missed period
- Twinges or light cramps in your lower belly
- Nausea or morning sickness
- Extreme tiredness
- Heightened sense of smell.
You can read more about these early pregnancy symptoms in Pregnancy Symptoms 16 Early Signs You Might Be Pregnant.
Some women take a few weeks to notice these symptoms, especially if their menstrual cycle is irregular.
Other women will notice them right away.
This is more likely if they:
- Have been pregnant before
- Are in tune with changes in their body
- Practise natural family planning
- Track symptoms or feelings of ovulation
These women are more likely to notice symptoms, or changes in their body.
But what if youre not one of these women, or if you have more unusual symptoms?
Are You Getting BellyBellys Pregnancy Week By Week Emails?the best
You May Like: Why Does Chocolate Give Me Heartburn
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.
Causes Of Heartburn In Pregnancy
Do you know how people always blaming hormones for any negative thing that happens during pregnancy? Crying all the time? Hormones. Being cranky? Hormones. Feeling tired the moment you wake up? You guessed it hormones.
So it comes as no surprise that hormones can also be a link between heartburn and pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, your body starts to produce large amounts of progesterone that works towards relaxing your muscles. This process is great for your baby, as relaxed muscles lead to better absorption of nutrients, which then travel to the placenta and feed your baby.
However, progesterone can also loosen the lower oesophageal valve that otherwise separates your stomach and your oesophagus. Normally, this muscle opens to let the food or drink into your stomach, but closes tightly right afterwards. Unfortunately, high progesterone levels can cause weakness in this very important muscle, which results in acid backing up from your stomach to the oesophagus. This stomach acid can irritate the lining of your oesophagus and cause a very unpleasant burning sensation around your heart, which is exactly where the term heartburn derives from, even though its not connected to your heart at all.
Now that weve identified the causes of heartburn in pregnancy, lets have a closer look at what heartburn feels like when pregnant, so we dont mix up the symptoms with something else.
Also Check: Can Pregnant Women Take Probiotics
When Does Pregnancy Heartburn Start
Although heartburn in pregnancy can happen at any time, it tends to start in the second trimester. It typically starts in mid-second trimester when the uterus comes out of the pelvis and becomes part of the abdomen, says Purdie. In other words, youre more likely to feel the burn as your bump grows and all that shifting and organ-rearranging happens behind the scenes.
Foods That Wont Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy

While you should avoid spicy, greasy or fatty foods which trigger heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues, there are fluids and food that wont cause heartburn during pregnancy.
Liquid foods, especially, are less likely to cause problems than solids meals since they pass through your stomach much faster.
Smoothies, milkshakes, soups, puddings, yogurt, milk, and protein shakes, are excellent choices that prevent or get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast. Other foods that calm heartburn include almonds and pop papaya. Even when you decide to take solid foods, chew more slowly and very well until they become almost liquefied.
You May Like: Can Ibs Cause Increased Urination
Heartburn During Pregnancy Remedies
Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding heartburn:
- Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
- Wait an hour after eating to lie down
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods
If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural ways to relieve the symptoms:
- Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk
- Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
Over-the-counter antacids may prove helpful in relieving your heartburn, but do not take antacids without speaking to your healthcare provider. Some antacids contain high levels of sodium, which can cause fluid buildup in body tissues. Some also contain aluminum, which is not considered safe for pregnancy.
If your heartburn is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication for you.
Want to Know More?
How Do You Get Rid Of Heartburn When Your Pregnant
Heartburn can be uncomfortable, but heres how to fire back: Watch what you eat. Eat frequent small meals instead of three a day. Sit up straight when you eat. Dont eat within three hours of going to bed. Dont smoke. Elevate your head 6 to 9 inches when you sleep. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Drink after meals, not with them.
Also Check: Does Bentyl Help With Bloating
Why Treat Heartburn And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Heartburn and acid reflux are traditionally considered innocuous because they are common in pregnancy and are usually self-limiting. However, a recent study suggests that GERD is associated with an increase in the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy , which can have serious negative effects on a womans quality of life.10 In a prospective cohort study conducted by the Motherisk Program, 194 pregnant women with NVP and heartburn or acid reflux were compared with 188 pregnant women with NVP who did not have heartburn or acid reflux. The 2 groups were assessed for severity of NVP with the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea score, which is a validated scoring tool based on frequency and duration of nausea, vomiting, and retching in the past 24 hours, with a high score indicating more severe NVP. Quality of life was measured by the well-being score, with 0 being the worst and 10 being the best. Forty-eight percent of women in the control group had severe NVP according to the PUQE, compared with 75% in the group with heartburn and acid reflux. The mean well-being score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the group with heartburn and acid reflux .11
Does The Heartburn Stop After Birth
Probably a stupid question.Pretty much what it says in the title had a pretty easy pregnancy I think but as I get nearer the end I am starting to get really fed up with the heartburn medication doesnt seem to work and its keeping me up at night and messing with my diet. So please can anyone tell me if it will end when I give birt or could it linger for a while?
Definitely will stop after baby is born. Right now youve got a person squeezing all your internal organs into positions they should not be in!Stick with!
Mine always cleared up pretty quick once baby was out so I was a bit emptier inside and the hormones had shifted.But also, if its that bad, go discuss with your GP. It was so bad in my first pregnancy I was on omeprazole for a bit which really helped. Have managed with heartburn liquid in later pregnancies
I was drinking gaviscon like it was water at some points of my pregnancy. The day after the birth I needed a few sips, but by day 2 I was fine. I did keep the bottle on my bedside table as I did need the odd sip during night feeds, however, that was down to me not eating/drinking enough. Hope you are feeling better soon!
Im in the same boat! Been awake all night with it so far! I had it from around 12 to 26 week then it slowed down but now at 33 week its awful! Currently sat up in bed and laying down triggers it!!
Nope. 5 years on and mine is so bad.
Also Check: Is Leaky Gut Scientifically Proven
Are Heartburn And Hiccups A Sign Of Pregnancy
Heartburn can be problematic during pregnancy.
It can be painful whenever its experienced, but it can be more difficult to treat during pregnancy.
This is because the progesterone that works to support the pregnancy is one of the main causes.
The progesterone cant be reduced, so the pregnant woman must find another way to reduce her heartburn.
Hiccups can be another symptom of a slower digestive system.
It increases the problem of heartburn because the hiccups can push stomach acid up the esophagus and into the mouth.
This isnt necessarily dangerous, but it can be very unpleasant.
Heartburn Medication To Avoid During Pregnancy
Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids. Some contain ingredients that may harm you or your baby. Be sure to not to take these medications:
Ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA stopped sales of an H2 blocker called ranitidine because it was contaminated with a cancer-causing agent. If you take OTC ranitidine, stop your use. If you have a prescription for ranitidine, talk to your doctor about other options before you stop your medication.
Show Sources
Read Also: Does All Yogurt Contain Probiotics
When Does Heartburn Start In Pregnancy
When heartburn starts during pregnancy varies depending on the person and their previous susceptibility to the condition.
Women who have experienced heartburn outside of pregnancy are more likely to experience symptoms while pregnant and may experience symptoms in the first trimester.
Women who do not experience heartburn outside of pregnancy may still struggle with the condition, which typically begins during the second or third trimester.
Pregnancy heartburn often gets worse as the growing baby presses upward as they grow.
Is It Normal To Have Heartburn In Early Pregnancy

Acid reflux can manifest itself in the form of heartburn, which can be described as a painful or burning sensation in the chest. As a result of fluctuating hormone levels and the development of the baby, several expectant mothers suffer from acid reflux and heartburn during their pregnancies. How does it feel when you get heartburn while youre pregnant?
Also Check: Can A 3 Year Old Have Ibs
Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy
Once the nausea of early pregnancy wanes, many women look forward to enjoying their meals again. However, around the middle of pregnancy, heartburn and indigestion may spoil the party. These discomforts can happen at any time, but are more common in the second and third trimesters. Fortunately, theyre rarely serious and are easily treatable.
What are heartburn and indigestion?
Heartburn which actually has nothing to do with your heart is marked by a burning sensation after meals in your throat or in your chest behind the breastbone. Its caused by stomach acid coming in contact with the esophagus . A valve at the bottom of that pipe seals off the top of the stomach when youre not eating, but when valve is overly relaxed, partially digested food and stomach acid sometimes make their way back up into the esophagus, irritating its sensitive lining.
The chief symptom of heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest. You may also experience a sour taste in your mouth or the unpleasant feeling that vomit is rising in your throat.
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a general term for digestion-related pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Symptoms of indigestion include heartburn, excess gas, bloating, burping, and feeling too full after a normal meal.
Both heartburn and indigestion are common conditions during pregnancy and rarely require medical attention.
What causes heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy?
How can I prevent heartburn?
References
When Does Heartburn Start In Pregnancy: 16 Tips To Manage It
Pregnancy comes with many bodily changes that affect the way people move, feel, and eat.
Sometimes, pregnancy can cause symptoms like heartburn that are uncomfortable or even painful.
Its common for people to wonder when heartburn starts in pregnancy this guide is here to help fill you in, and provide some additional tips that can provide some relief.
Recommended Reading: Can Being Constipated Cause A Fever
How Can Heartburn In Pregnancy Be Relieved
Although heartburn can last for the entire pregnancy, there are some things you can do to relieve the feelings.
Some suggestions are:
- Eat a high fiber diet
- Dont eat late at night
- Dont eat and then lie down
- Sleep propped up, not completely horizontal
- Eat a diet low in acidic and fatty foods.
Its best to try to treat heartburn during pregnancy naturally.
Although its unpleasant, heartburn isnt usually serious enough to take stronger measures.
Can You Get Heartburn At 2 Weeks Pregnant
It is fairly prevalent during the first few weeks of pregnancy and may persist for the whole of the pregnancy. If you are not often described as gassy, you may want to pay notice to this sign that is not particularly eloquent. Alterations in digestion, such as heartburn, can be one of the first signs that a woman is pregnant, especially in the early stages.
You May Like: Does Ovarian Cancer Cause Heartburn