Heartburn During Pregnancy: Understanding Its Origins Relief Strategies

Heartburn, or indigestion, is a feeling of burning in the chest, despite its confusing name recommending a heart issue.

It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that keeps stomach contents in place, loosens up or leaks, hindering stomach acids from moving higher into the esophagus. This description comes from Suzanne Trupin, MD, CEO of Women's Health Practice of Champaign, Illinois.

Why Do Women Experience Heartburn During Pregnancy?

During gestation, many women encountered indigestion, specifically in the last part of their gestation, according to Shari Brasner, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

This displeasure may differ from sporadic to daily circumstances and generally exacerbates as the fetus develops.

Commonly, heartburn happens after meals or at bedtime, spanning from uneasy to excruciating. Knowing the causes and applying precautionary measures can relieve manifestations.

Common Heartburn Symptoms

• A burning feeling in the chest that may continue to the throat.
• An acidic or bitter taste at the back of the throat.
• A sensation of bloating or fullness in the abdomen.
• Nausea of consumed food.
• Frequent burping.
• Nausea.

While the burning feeling can be agonizing, the agony is usually gentle.

Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy

The rush in gestation hormones, mainly progesterone, loosen up the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, assisting acid movement higher, as noted by Jill Maura Rabin, MD, associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

Rise pressure from the developing baby on the stomach and LES increases the possibility of acid reflux.

Hormonal Changes

Gestation alters hormone levels, which influences metabolism. These hormones impede the digestive system, resulting in higher chances of bloating, acid reflux, and constipation. 

Read Also: Signs of Implantation: Timing of Indicators, Symptoms and Anticipated Expectation

Relaxation of the Esophageal Sphincter

The hormone progesterone can trigger the low esophageal sphincter (LES) to loosen up. The LES, situated between the stomach and esophagus, usually opens to let food pass into the stomach and closes to hinder stomach acid from coming back up.

Progesterone can trigger the LES to loosen up too much, preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Enlargement of the Uterus

As the embryo develops, the broadening uterus puts pressure on the stomach, triggering stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

This is why acid reflux is more typical in the third trimester when the embryo and uterus are at their largest, congesting the other organs.

Strategies for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief

Eat little, more regular meals: Overeating heightens heartburn, especially during gestation when there's less room for the stomach to enlarge.

• Identify and prevent trigger foods: Common wrongdoings include acidic, greasy, spicy, and caffeinated foods, as well as alcohol.
• Opt for liquid-based meals: Soups, smoothies, and yogurt are not difficult to digest and less likely to cause heartburn than solid foods.

• Practice smart sleeping habits: Avoid eating for at least one to two hours before bedtime and lift up your head and upper body with pillows to lessen nighttime heartburn.
• Use antacids cautiously: Over-the-counter choices like Tums are commonly safe but refrain from those containing aluminum or aspirin, specifically in the first trimester, and always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication during gestation.

In conclusion, while heartburn is a common displeasure during gestation, understanding its causes and implementing suitable remedies can help regulate manifestations efficiently.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable for personalized advice and safe relief choices.

Related Article: When Does Third Trimester Start: Guide to the Concluding Phase of Pregnancy