Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment
Heartburn 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.
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 and indigestion are more common during the third trimester because the growing
uterus puts pressure on the intestines and the stomach. The pressure on the stomach may also push contents back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn during pregnancy remedies
Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding heartburn:
- Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
- Wait an hour after eating to lie down
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods
If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural ways to relieve the symptoms:
- Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk
- Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
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.
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Compiled
using information from the following sources:
Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W., M.D., et al, Part 3.
American Academy of Family Physicians, //familydoctor.org/
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.Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Prevention of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy
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 Pregnancy
Talk 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.