How to Deal with Pregnancy Heartburn

You might find yourself asking, “Why me?” as you feel that familiar burning sensation in your chest. It’s a common experience, and if it helps to ease your worries, it’s not something you have to suffer through indefinitely. Let’s break down how to deal with pregnancy heartburn, the reasons it occurs during pregnancy, and what you can do to prevent it.

Hormonal Changes and Progesterone

One of the main culprits behind pregnancy-related heartburn is progesterone, a hormone produced in large amounts during pregnancy. Progesterone plays a critical role in relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, allowing it to expand as your baby grows. However, progesterone doesn’t just affect the uterus; it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve that separates your esophagus from your stomach. When the LES is relaxed, it allows stomach acid to seep into the esophagus, which is what causes that dreaded burning sensation.

Growing Baby and Pressured Organs

As your pregnancy progresses, particularly in the third trimester, your growing baby starts to put pressure on your digestive organs. The expanding uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acid upward into the esophagus. This pressure exacerbates heartburn, which is why many women experience this discomfort more intensely as they approach their due date.

What Does Heartburn Feel Like?

Heartburn can manifest in several ways, but its most common symptom is a painful, burning sensation that typically starts in the chest and may even spread up to the throat. The discomfort can be especially pronounced when you lie down, bend over, or eat large meals. Some women may also experience:

• A sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth (acid reflux)

• A feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach

• Frequent burping or belching

• Regurgitation, where swallowed food or liquid comes back up.

• A general feeling of nausea or mild stomach discomfort

Does Heartburn Harm My Baby?

The good news is that heartburn itself is not harmful to your baby. While you may be feeling the burn, your little one is not affected by it. Heartburn might be uncomfortable, but it’s not a sign of any harm to your pregnancy.

Is Heartburn Common During Pregnancy?

Heartburn is extremely common during pregnancy, with many women experiencing it to some degree. For some, it may ease up or even disappear after childbirth, while others may find relief earlier. Either way, you don’t have to endure it without help! Talk to your doctor or midwife to discuss your symptoms and find the most effective way to manage heartburn.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Certain foods can exacerbate heartburn, and while it may feel like a punishment to give up some of your favorite indulgences, it can make a big difference in preventing that burning sensation. Foods to avoid include:

• Coffee and tea (due to their caffeine content)

• Tomatoes and tomato-based products

• Spicy foods

• Fried foods

• Chocolate (sadly, yes!)

• Citrus fruits

If you find it difficult to remember what sets off your heartburn, consider keeping a food journal. Record what you eat, how you feel afterward, and identify any foods that cause discomfort.

Eating Habits to Help Prevent Heartburn

Instead of sticking with the traditional three large meals a day, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. This can reduce the volume of food in your stomach at any one time, preventing pressure from building up. Five or six smaller meals throughout the day can be more manageable and less likely to trigger heartburn.

Many women find that eating a large meal in the evening worsens their symptoms. If possible, try to have your last meal of the day a few hours before bed to give your body time to digest. Avoid drinking large amounts of liquids immediately before bedtime, as this can increase pressure on your stomach.

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What Are the Best Treatments for Heartburn During Pregnancy?

There are several ways to ease heartburn, but always consult your midwife or doctor before starting any treatment. Common treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter antacids: Medications like Maalox or Tums can help neutralize stomach acid. However, you should always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicine during pregnancy.

• Medication prescribed by your doctor: In some cases, doctors may recommend prescription medications if over-the-counter options aren’t effective.

Natural Remedies for Immediate Relief

If you’re looking for natural ways to soothe heartburn, try these remedies:

• Drink milk or eat yogurt: The coolness and texture can coat your stomach and help neutralize acids.

• Honey: Adding a teaspoon of honey to warm milk can also help neutralize stomach acid and provide relief.

• Chewing gum: The act of chewing can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.

Additionally, it can be helpful to avoid drinking liquids during meals, but make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also try eating slowly, standing or sitting upright after meals, and engaging in light activity afterward.

How Does Heartburn Feel During Pregnancy?

Heartburn usually occurs within 30 minutes or an hour of eating. However, there can be a delay. Movement can affect your symptoms, too. After eating, symptoms are more likely when you lie down, bend over, or lift things.

Heartburn symptoms include

• You may experience a burning sensation in your chest, which can spread to your throat.
• You may experience a sour taste or an unpleasant bitter taste at the back of your mouth.
• Feeling bloated?
• Regurgitation is the act of bringing back food that has been swallowed.
• Burping is a frequent occurrence.
• Feeling sick.

It’s normal to feel mild pain when you burn.

What Causes Heartburn in Pregnancy?

Heartburn can occur during pregnancy due to changes in the body that are associated with carrying a fetus.

• Hormones changing: Your hormonal levels change during pregnancy and affect how you digest food. The hormones slow down your digestion. The food moves more slowly, which increases the chances of constipation, heartburn, and bloating.
• Lower esophageal Sphincter Relaxing: The hormone progesterone can cause your lower esophageal sphincter to relax. This muscle is located between the stomach and the esophagus. It opens to let food pass from the esophagus into your stomach. It closes so that stomach acid does not seep into your esophagus. Progesterone may cause the LES to relax too much, and it won’t close to stop stomach acid from flowing back.
• Uterus Enlarging: Your uterus grows as the fetus increases. This can cause your stomach to become crowded, which causes stomach acid to flow up into your esophagus. Heartburn is more prevalent during the third trimester of pregnancy, which includes the last few weeks. Your uterus and fetus are at their largest during this time, which crowds your other organs.

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Management and Treatment

Try these natural remedies if you want to get immediate relief from heartburn.

• Drink milk or yogurt.
• Add a teaspoon of honey to warm milk, and then drink.
• To neutralize the acid, chew gum.

Can I Use Over-the-Counter Antacids During Pregnancy to Relieve Heartburn?

You can feel better by using heartburn relief products such as Maalox or Tums. Talk to your doctor before you take antacids or any other heartburn medicine. The majority of studies that test the safety of drugs do not include pregnant women, as they do not want to expose study participants to risks. We still don’t understand a great deal about the safety of medication during pregnancy.

Scientists know that the risk to a fetus is greatest during the first trimester when using heartburn medicines. The safety of an antacid depends on a variety of factors including its specific ingredients. Some are also safe in small doses, while others should be avoided.

You can consult your healthcare provider for advice on how to relieve pain while protecting the fetus.

How Can I Deal With Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Heartburn can be common during pregnancies. Hormones during pregnancy can relax the valve at the entry to the stomach, causing it not to close properly. This allows acidic stomach contents to back up into the throat. The condition can worsen later in pregnancy as the uterus grows and presses on the stomach.

Heartburn Can Be Relieved By:

• Avoid foods and drinks that can make the condition worse. These include citrus, spicy foods, fatty foods (especially fried and greasy foods), caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
• Have small meals all day long.
• Eat slowly.
• Drink fluids before and after meals, but not during.
• Eat or drink nothing 3 hours before going to bed.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• After eating, resist the urge to lie down.
• When you go to sleep, elevate your head. You can elevate the head of your mattress a few inches, or prop up your head with supportive pillows.
• Ask your doctor if you can take heartburn medication during pregnancy.

How Can I Avoid Heartburn While Pregnant?

Knowing common heartburn triggers will help you avoid acid reflux.

Pregnancy is one of the main causes of heartburn. Your growing uterus places pressure on your stomach, and this causes stomach acid to flow up your throat.

These lovely hormones don’t help either. These hormones tend to relax the valve that connects your stomach to the esophagus. This makes it easier for acids to travel upward.

There are some things you can do to prevent heartburn during pregnancy.

• Do not lie down immediately after eating. Consider napping on an upright recliner.
• Sleeping well is hard enough when you’re pregnant, without acid reflux to make it even harder. Try propping yourself up when you sleep to prevent heartburn at night.
• Avoid eating before going to bed.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods. Do you want to be in pain after eating those greasy chips? (Probably not.) Avoid consuming fatty, rich foods. Making healthier choices will not only help you avoid heartburn but also ensure that your baby gets the vitamins and minerals they need in utero.
• Smaller meals more often. It’s not good for your pregnant stomach to have to deal with large quantities of food at once. Eat several small meals instead of three big ones.
• Spread out your meals. Don’t gorge on them. Slow down when eating and take your time.
• Avoid tight clothing. Your stomach will not appreciate it if you wear clothes that are too tight, especially during pregnancy. Wear clothing that is supportive without being restrictive.
• Drink liquids in between meals. You may want to reconsider your drinking habits. If you are thirsty during mealtime, take small sips of liquid to avoid aggravating heartburn symptoms.

When Will Heartburn Stop?

Scientists may one day invent a miraculous medication that will provide permanent relief from pregnancy heartburn. Unfortunately, this hasn’t yet happened.

If you are wondering how long heartburn will last during pregnancy, you should expect it to last throughout the entire period. It’s a good idea to remind yourself you will have a baby when this is all over.

There is no cure for cancer, but you can still find relief.