What is heartburn during pregnancy ?
Pregnancy heartburn is a very common pregnancy symptom - also known as pysoris - it can begin in early pregnancy -
and can become more noticeable as the pregnancy weeks go by, in fact heartburn during pregnancy most commonly occurs in the middle of pregnancy, right about the time your
morning sickness may have stopped and when the chronic feeling of being tired all the time seems to have gone away.
With pregnancy heartburn you may have a burning sensation in your throat or chest after meals, a bad taste in your mouth, or a feeling like you
are going to get sick.
What is heartburn ?
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid coming in contact with the esophagus (the esophagus being the way the food travels down to your stomach).
At the bottom of the esophagus there is a valve that closes, preventing stomach contents coming up. Its when this valve doesn't close properly that
food and stomach acid can come up into the esophagus and irritate it, causing that sensation we know as heartburn.
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?
During pregnancy heartburn is thought to be caused by the muscles of the digestive system relaxing. Supposedly the valve at the bottom of the esophagus relaxes and food and stomach rise up into the esophagus
and causes pregnancy heartburn. This change occurs due to a woman's changed pregnancy hormome levels. The new hormone levels in a pregnant
woman's body cause the muscles of the digestive system relax, which in turn slows down digestion.
How can I prevent pregnancy heartburn?
- Avoid eating fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, onion, garlic, and spicy foods. Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks,
- Sit up straight while eating and stay upright after eating.
- Exercise.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Eat fiber.
- Reduce stress.
- Eat frequently and keep meal sizes small.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke. Smoking in particular can increase the acidity in your stomach and is linked to premature birth,
- You might also consider taking an antacid such as aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium trisilicate - some women swear by gaviscon (but you should make sure to follow your doctors orders or at least the instructions on any antacid you decide to take - don't overdo antacids)
- If you are on medications, be sure to check whether heartburn is one of the possible side effects. Your doctor may want to adjust your treatment or dosage.