Heartburn is when you feel burning like sensation in the chest. The unpleasant sensation can go up your neck. Heartburn is also known as indigestion or acid reflux. It is very common in pregnancy. Although this is named as “heartburn,” it has nothing to do with your heart. It develops because of acid reflux, which occurs when the acid flows from your stomach to your esophagus.
Is heartburn common during pregnancy?
During the third trimester, more than half of all pregnant mother have severe heartburn. It is more likely with mothers who have previously been pregnant or who had heartburn even before pregnancy.
Causes of Heartburn during pregnancy
Various causes of heartburn during your pregnancy include:
Hormone levels changing: During pregnancy, your hormone levels vary, changing how you accept and digest meals. Hormones frequently slow down your digestive system. Food flows more slowly, resulting in bloating and heartburn.
Uterus enlarging: Your uterus expands as your baby grows. It can suffocate your stomach and cause the acids to rise into your throat. As a result, it is more frequent in the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy. The baby and uterus are the largest at this point, squeezing out your other organs.
Oesophageal sphincter relaxing: The pregnancy hormone progesterone might cause the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax. Stomach’s acid can flow up into the oesophagus as it relaxes.
Symptoms
During pregnancy you can experience these different symptoms of heartburn:
- Burning sensation in chest
- Bloated or feeling full
- Feel sick
- Burp more than usual
- Bring up food
Symptoms often appear shortly after eating or drinking, however there may be a delay between eating and experiencing heartburn. Symptoms can occur at any time throughout your pregnancy, although they are more frequent after the 27 weeks.
Treatment
Incurring changes to your food habits and lifestyle can relieve heartburn. Also, there are medications that are safe to use during pregnancy. You can make some of the following changes:
Change eating and drinking habits: Instead of three large meals, eat more little ones throughout the day. Eat slowly. Drink in between meals, not with them. Avoid meals that are fried, hot, or greasy. Citrus foods and liquids should be avoided. Limit caffeine.
Keep upright: When you eat, sit up straight. This will relieve the strain on your stomach. When you go to bed, raise your head and shoulders up to prevent stomach acid from rising while you sleep.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking: Smoking during pregnancy can create indigestion and have a negative impact on you and your unborn child’s health. Drinking alcohol can induce indigestion. During pregnancy, it can potentially cause long-term damage to your foetus. So, avoid consuming any alcohol when pregnant.
Prescribed Medicines: Speak with your Gynecologists if you are taking medication for another illness, such as antidepressants, and you suspect it’s exacerbating your indigestion. They might be able to recommend an alternate treatment.
Right time to get medical consultancy
If your heartburn continues, consult your healthcare physician. They can advise you on which drugs are safe to use while pregnant. You can contact your doctor if you:
- You have heartburn that keeps you up at night.
- Having difficulty swallowing food
- Keep spitting blood
- Have black poop
- Extreme weight loses
Heartburn symptoms might be identical to those of a heart attack. If you’ve never had heartburn before and are experiencing chest symptoms, contact your doctor or go to the local emergency room.
For more information on heartburn during pregnancy, visit Overnyr.com. Book a tele-appointment today to talk to the doctor directly.