Along with nausea, constipation and fatigue, heartburn is one of the common unpleasant symptoms experienced during pregnancy. Heartburn is especially common in the third trimester, due to increasing pressure on your stomach. If you experience regular, severe heartburn during your pregnancy, discuss relief options with your doctor.
Causes
Your body undergoes dramatic changes during pregnancy. As your baby grows, your uterus expands and puts pressure on your stomach. Heartburn is also caused by increased progesterone levels. Progesterone causes your esophagus to relax, which allows stomach acid to enter it and cause irritation. These increased hormones, combined with a growing stomach, make it very common for stomach acid to seep into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation that usually extends from your lower throat to the bottom of your breastbone.
Prevention
Decrease your chances of getting heartburn by following a few preventive practices. To avoid putting excessive stress on your stomach, eat five or six small meals each day instead of three large ones. This may also help reduce other uncomfortable symptoms, such as constipation and nausea. The American Pregnancy Association recommends avoiding greasy and fatty foods and waiting at least an hour after eating to lie down. You may also prevent heartburn by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and avoiding caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Home Remedies
If preventive measures fail, a few simple home remedies may alleviate heartburn or reduce its severity. According to BabyCenter, chewing gum causes you to salivate, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Drinking a glass of milk or eating a small bowl of yogurt is another common home remedy. The American Pregnancy Association recommends dissolving 1 tbsp. of honey in a warm glass of milk for heartburn relief.
Medications
Certain over-the-counter antacids are safe to take during pregnancy. However, you should ask your doctor which is best, since some contain ingredients that may be undesirable during pregnancy. According to pharmacist clinical specialist Gerald Briggs of BabyCenter, you should avoid antacids that contain aluminum, aspirin and sodium bicarbonate. If over-the-counter antacids don't work, or if you experience severe lack of sleep due to heartburn in the night, difficulty swallowing, spitting up blood, black stools or weight loss, see your doctor to discuss prescription medications.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Third Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect; June 2009
- BabyCenter; Heartburn During Pregnancy; February 2011
- American Pregnancy Association; Pregnancy and Heartburn; March 2007
- KidsHealth; Is There a Remedy for Heartburn During Pregnancy?; Larissa Hirsch, MD; August 2009
- BabyCenter; Which Heartburn Medicines Are Safe During Pregnancy?; Gerald Briggs
- March of Dimes; Heartburn and Indigestion; August 2009
