Heartburn During Pregnancy – Causes And Treatment
Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. It has nothing to do with the heart or lungs, but women who experience it often experience a burning sensation in their chest.
This symptom usually appears in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. While not a sign of serious problems, it is definitely a painful discomfort.
Heartburn during pregnancy – causes
The burning sensation is a consequence of gastric juices moving into the esophagus in the opposite direction to normal digestion.
Heartburn is a digestive problem that occurs when digested food passes from the stomach, which contains gastric juice (acid that helps digestion), into the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and the stomach).
When this happens, there is a burning sensation behind the breastbone – the sensation begins in the stomach and appears to “rise”. A pregnant woman may experience a bitter taste in her mouth or choke.
Normally, food passes through the esophagus and then into the stomach when swallowed . There is a circular valve at the bottom of the esophagus that cuts the connection between it and your stomach while you eat. The function of this valve is to prevent the stomach acids from returning to the esophagus.
When we swallow, the valve relaxes, allowing food and fluids to pass. When a person experiences heartburn, the valve loosens when the person is not eating, causing stomach acids to enter the esophagus. Thus, this organ becomes irritated and causes a burning sensation.
Heartburn in pregnancy and predisposing factors
There are many factors that can help loosen the valve. They all involve eating the following types of food :
- Fried or fatty products
- Chocolate
- Beverages containing caffeine
- Onions, garlic, and hot spices
- Certain medications
- Excessive food consumption
- Lying down after eating
Hormones are another cause of heartburn
When a woman is pregnant, her body releases a number of hormones. These substances mediate various physiological processes in the body and relax the muscles of the digestive system. Part of this is the esophageal valve. Progesterone is the hormone that is most responsible for heartburn.
Because of this, stomach acids are more likely to enter the esophagus and cause this problem. This situation worsens when the pregnant woman is in a horizontal position. As we mentioned above, heartburn usually occurs during the second and third trimesters. This is when the uterus begins to press against the abdomen.
Treatment of heartburn in pregnancy
Factors such as diet and related habits can influence the development of heartburn.
Despite the fact that it is quite common and difficult to avoid symptom, there are various measures that can help a pregnant woman reduce her discomfort and relieve symptoms. Among these measures, you must try:
- Divide your meals into smaller portions and avoid eating too much at once.
- Maintain as much weight as you can – Gaining a few kilos during pregnancy is inevitable and normal, but try not to overload too much in the first place as this puts pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn.
- Don’t lie down right after eating. Doctors recommend waiting at least 1 hour if you are going to bed and 3 hours if you are going to bed.
- Pregnant women should drink about 9 glasses of water a day between meals – but not with meals as this promotes heartburn.
- Avoid foods that cause acidity, such as spicy spices, fried and fatty foods, as well as any of the foods listed above.
We hope you found this article helpful!
