Guide To Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

It is quite common to have heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy, especially during second and third trimester. It can be quite painful and uncomfortable, but is usually not a serious problem.

Causes Of Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

Digested food from the stomach that is pushed up the esophagus causes heartburn. This food contains acid, and causes the burning sensation behind the breastbone, or there is a burning sensation in the stomach, rising up. There may also be sour taste in the mouth along with nausea.

Heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy is caused by physical as well as hormonal changes in the body. Placenta produces the hormone progesterone that relaxes the muscles of womb. As heartburn and indigestion can cause pain and discomfort, try to treat it on time.

Several causes of heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy are greasy or fatty food, medications, consumption of large meal, spicy food, and lying down after food. During pregnancy, muscles of the digestive tract are relaxed by the hormones, and this allows the acids of stomach to seep back up the esophagus easily. During second and third trimester, indigestion and heartburn can be worse due to growing uterus pressure on the stomach, as this pushes the food up into the esophagus.

Dealing With Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

To prevent heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy during pregnancy, eat smaller meals, avoid foods that trigger the indigestion and heartburn, drink less water while eating, eat slowly, avoid lying down or bending after eating, wear loose and comfortable clothing, try not to gain too much weight, and keep the head elevated when lying down. Use pillows to prop up the head, or raise the head of the bed using bricks or blocks.

Additionally, drink plenty of water, consume more fibre, exercise regularly, drink and chamomile tea to relieve the symptoms of stomach heartburn acid indigestion. Give yourself 2-3 hours for the food to get digested before going to bed. Some women also feel that drinking cold milk prior to going to bed helps in indigestion and heartburn.

If however, the heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy wakes you up during night, there is spitting of blood, black stools, difficulty in swallowing or weight loss, talk immediately to your health care provider, as these can be signs of more serious problem.

Some would-be-moms feel that they can take the antacids whenever they feel the symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. But, most of the antacids contain magnesium, which, if consumed in larger quantities can slow down or stop labour. Hence talk to the healthcare professional for a safer option.