Heartburn and related issues like gas and bloating during pregnancy usually start in the second or third trimester, but it can be sooner for some women. The discomfort will probably come and go until your baby is born.
Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy might continue to have heartburn for up to a year after having their baby.
Some of the hormonal and
physical changes in your body during pregnancy can cause heartburn, (also
called acid indigestion or acid reflux.) starts
behind your breastbone and travels up your esophagus, a tube connecting your
throat to your stomach.
Some women have
occasional heartburn throughout the pregnancy. Some experience worsening
symptoms as the baby grows.
progesterone,
also called the “pregnancy hormone” because it nurtures your womb and the baby
inside it, is the leading culprit behind pregnancy-related heartburn.
Progesterone
acts as a muscle relaxer. In the case of heartburn, the hormone can loosen the
tight muscle (called the lower esophageal valve) that closes your stomach off
from your esophagus.
When you
eat or drink, the muscle normally opens to let contents into the stomach before
shutting tightly. But the surging progesterone levels that occur during
pregnancy can make that muscle slack, allowing stomach acid to backflow up your
esophagus and even into your throat.
As the uterus expands with your growing baby, it competes for space with some of
your other organs. Like a tube of toothpaste being squeezed, your growing
uterus places pressure on your stomach, making it more likely stomach acids
will spill out ― especially if your stomach is full.
Though you may not be
able to avoid the condition entirely, here are some ways to prevent it and
minimize any discomfort. although it's
common and generally harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable. The more your uterus grows, the more likely your stomach will
get squeezed. This may help explain why heartburn is more common as you
progress through pregnancy.
reflux during pregnancy:
- Avoid food and drinks that upset your stomach -These include carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, mint products, processed meats, and foods that are fatty, spicy, fried, or highly seasoned.
- Eat small meals - Instead of three large meals, eat several small ones throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.
- Drink water in between meals. It's important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy, but too much liquid can distend your stomach. Stay hydrated by drinking most of your water in between meals. Avoid drinking too much water while eating.
- Eat two or three hours before bedtime. This gives your body
time to digest before you lie down.
- Sleep propped up. Elevate your upper body by about 6 inches with several pillows or a wedge when you sleep. This helps stomach acid stay down and
aids digestion.
- Dress comfortably. Wear loose, relaxed clothing. Don't wear tight clothes around your waist and tummy.
- Ask your provider about heartburn medicines. An antacid that contains magnesium or calcium may ease discomfort. Check with your provider before taking one because some brands are high in sodium or contain aluminum or aspirin.
- You can talk to your health care provider to prescribe heartburn medication that is safe during pregnancy.. story
- Don't smoke. In addition to contributing to serious health problems, smoking boosts the acid in the stomach. story
- keeping a food log and eliminating any triggering foods from the diet.
- eating fewer acidic, fatty, or fried foods
- reducing caffeine consumption.
- Avoid gaining more weight than necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
- sleep on your left side
There
are lots of ideas and solutions for heartburns and acid reflux are circulating
through the internet. Do not follow any home remedies without consulting your
OB/GYN. We might not know if the home remedies are safe during pregnancy and
for your developing baby.