Heartburn during pregnancy is very common. Thankfully, it is not a serious problem and will not cause pregnant women and their babies any harm. However, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful, and can even combine with morning sickness. When it strikes, it can also hinder pregnant women from relaxing or resting when they need or want to.
Heartburn during pregnancy is caused by two main factors. First, as the extra weight of the baby squeezes everything inside a woman’s body, the stomach receives some extra pressure. This forces the acids produced in the stomach to creep upwards through the esophagus, which is closed off by a group of muscle fibers called the esophageal sphincter. If the pregnant woman eats certain foods or does certain activities that cause the esophageal sphincter to relax or weaken, the risk of getting heartburn during pregnancy increases.
Unfortunately, even without the common triggers, a pregnant woman’s LES is more relaxed than it should normally be. This is because of the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the placenta. Progesterone is necessary in pregnant women in order to relax the muscles of the uterus, so it would accommodate the placenta. This hormone, however, also relaxes the LES, making pregnant women highly susceptible to heartburn during pregnancy.
But the real challenge is that heartburn during pregnancy is not as easy to relieve as it is in other people. Pregnant women are not allowed to take various medications, which might have a negative effect on the unborn baby. Thus, they do not have access to the common medications used to prevent and remedy heartburn, such as H2 blockers and PPIs. Antacids are deemed generally safe for heartburn during pregnancy, but some pregnant women suffer from certain conditions or may be taking certain medications which, when combined with the use of antacids, may also be harmful.
Since heartburn during pregnancy is caused by the excess weight and pressure on the stomach, it can happen frequently and cannot be eliminated completely until the pressure is eased, which will only happen after giving birth. So the important thing is to minimize the discomfort and minimize the triggers.
To prevent heartburn during pregnancy, pregnant women are advised not to eat too much in one meal. This further squeezes the contents of the stomach, which may push the acids upwards. Eating small but frequent meals is recommended and may help lessen the attacks of heartburn during pregnancy. Foods and beverages that can further weaken the LES should be avoided; these include citrus juices, chocolate, tomatoes, mustard, pepper, vinegar, processed meats, fried and fatty foods, and excessively seasoned foods. And of course, it goes without saying that pregnant women should stop drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee, and carbonated drinks while they are pregnant.
Heartburn during pregnancy worsens when the stomach receives extra pressure, such as when a pregnant woman wears tight-fitting clothes. This is where loose and comfortable maternity clothes come in.
If heartburn during pregnancy kicks in, lie down in an elevated position, with your head propped up on two to three pillows. This position allows gravity to naturally keep acid in the stomach and prevent it from creeping up the esophagus. If the discomfort persists, call your pre-natal professional and ask which antacids are safe to take.