Heartburn during Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, but it can come with its fair share of discomforts. One of the most common discomforts experienced by pregnant women is heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It is a common symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this article, we’ll look at the causes, symptoms, and remedies for heartburn during pregnancy.
Causes of Heartburn during Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy is caused by the same factors that cause heartburn in non-pregnant people. The main cause of heartburn is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When the LES relaxes, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
The relaxation of the LES is caused by the increased levels of hormones, particularly progesterone, during pregnancy. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles in the body, including the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. As the uterus expands, it also puts pressure on the stomach, which can worsen heartburn.
Symptoms of Heartburn during Pregnancy
The main symptom of heartburn during pregnancy is a burning sensation in the chest that usually occurs after eating or when lying down. The burning sensation may also be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, and nausea. Heartburn during pregnancy can occur at any time, but it is most common in the third trimester.
Remedies for Heartburn during Pregnancy
There are several remedies for heartburn during pregnancy that can provide relief. Here are some of the most effective remedies:
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Eating small, frequent meals can help reduce the pressure on the stomach and prevent heartburn. It is also important to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Avoiding trigger foods can also help prevent heartburn. Some common trigger foods include spicy and fatty foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and caffeine. It is important to identify your trigger foods and avoid them.
Stay Upright after Eating
Lying down after eating can worsen heartburn. It is important to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to allow food to digest properly and prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Sleep on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side can help reduce the pressure on the stomach and prevent heartburn. It is also important to elevate the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water can help dilute stomach acid and prevent heartburn. It is important to drink water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts of water before bedtime.
Antacids
Antacids can provide quick relief from heartburn. They work by neutralizing stomach acid. It is important to choose antacids that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Heartburn during pregnancy is a common discomfort that can be managed with the right remedies. Eating small, frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, staying upright after eating, sleeping on your left side, drinking plenty of water, and using antacids can all help provide relief from heartburn. If you continue to experience heartburn despite these remedies, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.
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