Giving IS CARE!
Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women. Between 50 and 80 percent of pregnant women experience heartburn at some point during their pregnancy. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, and it can be uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of heartburn during pregnancy, as well as some tips on how to manage it.
Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash
Causes of Heartburn in Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to experience heartburn due to changes in hormones and the pressure that the growing uterus puts on the abdomen. Hormonal changes cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, which can allow stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. The expanding uterus can also push against the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Also, during pregnancy, digestion tends to slow downwhich gives the stomach more time to produce acid.
Tips for Managing Heartburn During Pregnancy
Although heartburn is common during pregnancy, there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms. Here are some tips for managing heartburn during pregnancy:
• Avoid foods that cause your heartburn. Common triggers include spicy foods, oily and fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
• Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large meals.
• Avoid lying down after eating or drinking.
• Elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches with blocks or books under the bedposts to help keep stomach acid in place.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Talk to your doctor about taking antacids or other medications that are safe for pregnant women. Some of those best antacid medicines for pregnant women are found over the counter.
When to See a Doctor
If your heartburn is severe or doesn’t respond to home treatment, it’s important to see your doctor. If you experience other symptoms such as chest pain, hard to breathe, persistent vomiting, or loss of appetite, these may be signs of a more serious problem and you should seek medical help immediately. If your blood pressure also rises, it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, and you should get yourself checked.
Myths about Heartburn in Pregnancy
Finally, it’s important to address some of the myths about heartburn during pregnancy. A common misconception is that heartburn can harm your baby, but this is not true. Heartburn does not affect your baby in any way and usually goes away after you give birth. Another myth is the food spicy food can cause heartburn. While this may be one of the triggers for some people, there are many other common triggers that can also contribute to your heartburn. And the last myth is that heartburn only occurs in the third trimester. Although it is more common during this period, you may experience heartburn throughout your pregnancy.
There are many old wives’ tales related to pregnancy, one of the most common is that the more heartburn you have, the more hair the baby has – this is not true, and one I can say from a personal experience. My second child was born hairless, and I had the most horrible heartburn!
Although heartburn can be uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. With these tips and a little patience, you should be able to successfully manage heartburn during pregnancy.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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