Heartburn in Pregnancy

Heartburn During Pregnancy

One of the major complaints that pregnant women usually make during the pregnancy period is that of heartburn. This happens, most time, during their second and third trimester. Although, popularly known as heartburn, another name given to this is called acid indigestion.

While heartburn in pregnancy does not have anything to do with the heart, it is an irritation or a burning sensation that takes place in the esophagus or at the center of the chest. And this is a result of the contents in the stomach that comes back up (or refluxes) from the stomach.

When there are changes in the hormonal level of a pregnant woman, heartburn could occur. And when this happens, it can end up affecting the muscles that are in the digestive tract as well as the way various foods coming into the body are tolerated.

In simple terms, the moment the valve that is between the stomach and the esophagus cannot stop the acid from the stomach to go back to the esophagus or (reflux), then it results into heartburn.

Heartburn in pregnancy is said to be a symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease also known as GERD. While some pregnant women experience this in their first trimester, some others have it in their second trimester while others may yet encounter it in their third trimester. The reason for this can be due to the growth in the uterus which is now mounting pressure on the intestines as well as the stomach, consequently pushing the contents of the stomach back to the esophagus.

Heartburn relief

It is important for a pregnant woman to understand some heartburn relief methods that she can employ to manage the situation whenever she experiences heartburn. An example of this heartburn relief means is her taking yoghurt or drinking a glass of milk to help suffice the situation. The pregnant woman can as well take a tablespoon of honey and mix it with warm milk in a glass.

Apart from these, there are natural remedies for heartburn that the pregnant woman can still employ to overcome heartburn in her pregnancy stage.

There are certain kinds of food that she must avoid. Food likes peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, and other caffeinated beverages like coffee, soft drinks, and tea may lead to heartburn for a pregnant woman. The simple truth is that she must be willing to change or adjust her diet and lifestyle. Fries, spicy and other kinds of food that are rich in fat must be avoided.

It has also been found out that when a pregnant woman lies on her left side at night, it has the tendency of reducing acid reflux. Then, after eating, any activity that may involve her bending, she should try and avoid them.

A pregnant should also make effort not to smoke. Apart from the fact that smoking can cause a harm to the fetus, it can also reduce the esophageal sphincter and hype acid reflux.

It is also advisable that the pregnant woman should drink less when eating as drinking large quantity when eating has the capacity of increasing acid reflux thereby leading to heartburn.