Heartburn and Pregnancy

Heartburn, along with gas and constipation, is one of the telltale signs that you are expecting a child. Though more common and noticeable during the last trimester of pregnancy, heartburn has been reported by many women to occur during the earliest stages of parturition.

This most uncomfortable of sensations occurs when stomach acids flow backwards (reflux) into the esophagus, as the normally constricted sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach relaxes. The sphincter tends to soften as hormone levels increase during pregnancy. There is a second cause of heartburn in pregnant women. As the fetus grows, the uterus expands and pushes the stomach away from its regular position, squeezing its contents upwards in the process.

One way to lessen the incidence of gestational heartburn is by taking meals that are smaller than you normally would, and with more frequency in the course of a day. That way, the food you eat will be digested more quickly, thereby reducing the chance of reflux. How fast or slowly you eat, and how thoroughly you chew your food will also have some bearing on whether you will get heartburn after a meal or not.

The only significant difference between the treatment of regular heartburn and one occurring as a result of pregnancy is the greater restriction placed on the expectant mother on antacid and prescription drug intake. Giving advice about which antacids may be safe for pregnant women is best left to the physician.

There are other factors for heartburn during the early stages of gestation. These include smoking, consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and stress. Drink water in place of coffee and sodas, both of which are notorious inducers of heartburn. Avoid feelings of anxiety by adopting a more positive outlook in life.

You can easily avoid the distressing symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy -- and outside of it -- through very simple lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

County's New Year Baby finally arrives
The Banner-Graphic, IN - Jan 7, 2009
This was her most difficult pregnancy she admitted. "No medical complications," she explained. "I had a lot of heartburn with him. ...

Antacid use in pregnancy increases child asthma risk
Los Angeles Times, CA - Dec 16, 2008
Heartburn goes hand in hand with pregnancy. However, a new study warns that antacid use in pregnancy may increase a child's risk for asthma. ...

Antacid medication in pregnancy may increase childhood asthma
PhysOrg.com, VA - Jan 2, 2009
Acid-suppressing medication is commonly used for acid reflux, or heartburn. Reflux occurs in up to 85 percent of pregnancies, as high levels of estrogen are ...

SheKnows.com

GERD: Holiday tips to avoid heartburn
SheKnows.com, AZ - Dec 30, 2008
Other high-risk populations include pregnant women (particularly in the later stage of pregnancy) and people who are overweight. ...

A mother offers a litany of complaint and love
Albany Times Union, NY - Jan 4, 2009
I ate so ravenously, thinking I was supposed to and, I was hungry, that heartburn became the focal point of my life. "You gonna finish that? ...