Heartburn During Pregnancy

Table of Content

• Introduction

• What is Heartburn during pregnancy?

• How common is heartburn during pregnancy?

• Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

• Symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy

• When is heartburn during pregnancy worse?

• Prevention of heartburn during pregnancy

• Treatment of heartburn during pregnancy

• When to See a Doctor

• Take-home points

• FAQs

Introduction

Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. Most pregnant women experience heartburn, even if they haven't before. Some women already have issues with heartburn before pregnancy, and for them, it can get worse or stay the same.

However, not all pregnant women will experience heartburn. Some may confuse it with pain associated with the heart, but the two are completely different.

In this blog, we'll discuss what heartburn during pregnancy is, its symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment.

What is Heartburn during pregnancy?

Heartburn during pregnancy is common, as the growing fetus pushes on the stomach, combined with hormonal changes. Is heartburn during pregnancy related to heart problems?

What is heartburn? Heartburn, or indigestion, is the reflux of acidic content from the stomach into the esophagus or throat due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. It is also called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Why does heartburn happen? The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a door that prevents stomach acid from moving into the esophagus. Although heartburn can happen to anyone, it is more common during pregnancy.

The reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus causes a burning sensation in the chest. Although chest pain can sometimes be caused by heart problems, heartburn is not related to heart disease.

Do I need to worry? Sometimes, heartburn pain is confused with pain from heart conditions like angina (ischemic heart disease). However, there are significant differences. If your pain is constricting, heavy, and radiates to your hands, jaw, or other areas, it may need medical evaluation.

Burning pain after a meal, which is not crushing and not associated with difficulty breathing or palpitations, is typical of heartburn and not angina.

How common is heartburn during pregnancy?

Research suggests that 30-80% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy. It is more common in women who experienced heartburn before pregnancy. However, for many women, pregnancy is the first time they encounter heartburn.

Most women experience heartburn symptoms in the third trimester when the uterus is large enough to compress the stomach.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn can happen to anyone, but it is particularly common during pregnancy. Why is heartburn more common during pregnancy, and what causes it?

• Compression of the stomach by the fetus: As the fetus grows, it compresses the stomach. This, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to heartburn, especially in the second and third trimesters.

• Decreased motility and delayed gastric emptying: Pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone) slow down the movement of the esophagus and stomach, causing delayed gastric emptying, which increases the likelihood of heartburn.

• Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter: High levels of progesterone cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.

• Decreased physical activity: Decreased activity during pregnancy can contribute to heartburn, as lying down can allow stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. Walking for 15-20 minutes after meals can help prevent GERD or heartburn.

Being pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you will experience heartburn. It varies depending on individual lifestyle, eating habits, and physiology.

Symptoms of Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn usually occurs 20-30 minutes after a meal, though it can sometimes take longer. Lying down can aggravate or even trigger heartburn symptoms. The symptoms include:

• A burning pain in the chest that may rise to the throat

• A burning sensation or bitter taste in the back of the throat

• Feeling full, heavy, or bloated

• Frequent burps

• Feeling nauseous

• Regurgitation of food into the mouth

When is Heartburn during pregnancy worse?

Heartburn can occur at any time during pregnancy but is more common in the second and third trimesters. As the uterus and baby grow, they push on the stomach, causing more frequent episodes of heartburn.

As your pregnancy progresses, heartburn may become worse and more frequent.

Prevention of Heartburn during pregnancy

There are simple steps you can take to prevent heartburn during pregnancy. These involve changes to your eating habits and lifestyle. Here are some tips:

• Eat healthy: Eating unhealthily and experiencing indigestion are major causes of heartburn during pregnancy. Avoid overeating as it can lead to heartburn.

• Eat small meals: Eating smaller meals instead of three large ones helps digestion and prevents heartburn.

• Avoid lying down immediately after meals: Lying down after meals aggravates heartburn. Take a 10-15 minute walk before lying down.

• Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime: Eat at least 3 hours before sleeping to avoid indigestion and heartburn.

• Eat slowly: Eating slowly gives your body time to process food, preventing heartburn.

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods: Spicy and fatty foods cause indigestion and exacerbate heartburn. Avoid caffeine as well.

• Use pillows or a propped-up position: Elevating your head with pillows or using a propped-up position reduces the likelihood of heartburn.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking are harmful during pregnancy and can aggravate heartburn. Alcohol can also lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes developmental issues in babies.

• Avoid carbonated drinks and citrus fruits: Contrary to belief, carbonated drinks do not aid digestion and can cause indigestion and heartburn.

Treatment of Heartburn during pregnancy

Several natural remedies can provide immediate relief from heartburn:

• Eating a tablespoon of honey mixed with warm water.

• Eating yogurt or drinking milk to soothe heartburn symptoms.

It’s always best to consult a doctor. We’ll discuss when to see a doctor for heartburn during pregnancy.

Your doctor may prescribe antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relief. Some medications can be harmful to the fetus, so it’s important to avoid self-medication.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Repeated heartburn despite trying home remedies

• Difficulty swallowing

• Avoiding meals to prevent heartburn

• Unexplained weight loss

• Stomach pain

• Swollen glands on either side of your neck

• A persistent cough

Take-home points

• Heartburn during pregnancy is common due to the growing fetus and hormonal changes.

• Heartburn occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (GERD).

• About 30-80% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy.

• Causes include the growing fetus, hormonal changes, relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, and delayed gastric emptying.

• Symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest, bitter taste, frequent burps, and regurgitation of food.

• Avoid taking over-the-counter medications without consulting a healthcare professional.