Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes and TreatmentHeartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. Although it has nothing to do with the heart, heartburn involves a burning sensation in the center of the chest. Show
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?Heartburn occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus are unable to prevent stomach acid from
passing back into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax, which can increase the frequency of heartburn. This allows stomach acid to pass into the esophagus and irritate the lining. Heartburn during pregnancy remediesPreventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding heartburn:
If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural ways to relieve the symptoms:
Over-the-counter antacids may prove helpful in relieving your heartburn, but do not take antacids without speaking to your healthcare provider. Some antacids contain high levels of sodium, which can cause fluid buildup in body tissues. Some also contain aluminum, which is not considered safe for pregnancy. If your heartburn is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication for you. Want to Know More?
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using information from the following sources: More than half of pregnant women get serious heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters. Heartburn,
also called acid indigestion, is an irritation or burning sensation of the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid to your
stomach when you swallow). It’s caused by stomach contents that reflux (come back up). If you have
heartburn while you’re pregnant, you may: Heartburn in pregnancy may happen because of changing hormone levels, which can affect the muscles of the digestive
tract. Pregnancy hormones can cause your lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus) to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus. Also, as your baby grows, your enlarged uterus can crowd
the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward. Although it's rare, gallstones can also cause heartburn during pregnancy. Some tips that may help you cut down on heartburn during your pregnancy include: If your heartburn won’t go away, see
your doctor. They may prescribe or recommend OTC medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn usually disappears following childbirth. Medications may include: Over-the-counter antacids such as
calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. These are generally safe to use during pregnancy. You may find that liquid heartburn relievers are more effective in
treating heartburn, because they coat the esophagus. H2 blockers. These medications block chemical signals that produce stomach acid. They include cimetidine
(Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid,
Zantac 360), and they’re available in over the counter and prescription strengths. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Like H2 blockers, these drugs help cut down on stomach acid. PPIs, which include
lansoprazole (Prevacid) and
omeprazole (Prilosec), are available over the counter and by prescription. If you take iron
supplements, talk to your doctor before you take a PPI or H2 blocker. These medications can make the supplements less effective. Heartburn Medication to Avoid During PregnancyTalk to your doctor before taking any antacids. Some contain ingredients that may harm you or your baby. Be sure to not to take these medications: Ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA stopped sales of an H2 blocker called ranitidine (the ingredient in older Zantac products) because it was contaminated with a cancer-causing agent. If you take OTC ranitidine, stop your use. If you have a prescription for ranitidine, talk to your doctor about other options before you stop your medication. What triggers heartburn during pregnancy?Indigestion, also called heartburn or acid reflux, is common in pregnancy. It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach. You can help ease indigestion and heartburn by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, and there are medicines that are safe to take in pregnancy.
How can I relieve my heartburn while pregnant?How do I treat heartburn during pregnancy?. Dip into some yogurt. ... . Drink milk with honey. ... . Snack on almonds. ... . Eat pineapple or papaya. ... . Try a little ginger. ... . Chew sugar-free gum. ... . Take (doctor-approved) medication.. Does heartburn in pregnancy affect baby?“The study published in Birth in 2006, which concluded, contrary to expectations, that there is an association between the severity of heartburn during pregnancy and the amount of hair a newborn had,” says Leissa Roberts, DNP, CNM, associate dean and a certified nurse midwife in the University of Utah College of ...
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