Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common experience in pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy affects most pregnant women at least once and may occur in any trimester (1). Pregnancy heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation near the chest, throat, and upper digestive tract. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and remedies for heartburn in pregnancy.
Does Pregnancy Cause Heartburn?
Women who never had heartburn before may develop this problem during pregnancy. Experts believe that pregnancy hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone) and the baby’s growing size might have a role to play in this development (2).
How Common Is Heartburn During Pregnancy?
A research study states that around 17 to 45 percent of pregnant women may have heartburn during pregnancy. The prevalence of heartburn is known to increase as the pregnancy progresses. Reportedly, the incidence of heartburn increased from 39% in the second trimester to 60% to 72% in the third trimester. In contrast, another study revealed that in some women, heartburn symptoms appeared in the first trimester and were reduced by the second trimester (3).
What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?
The cause of heartburn in pregnancy may be based on several factors. However, the most common causes of heartburn during pregnancy may include (3):
What Are The Symptoms Of Heartburn During Pregnancy?
You may develop heartburn symptoms early in pregnancy due to hormonal changes or later during the third trimester due to the growing baby pushing up against your organs. However, the common symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy are (6) (7):
A burning sensation in the chest or throat Pain in the chest
Difficulty or pain in the throat while swallowing Feeling dizzy and lightheaded Constant burping or belching Feeling heavy or bloated Feeling sick A feeling of regurgitation of food Feeling anxious, profuse sweating
The symptoms of heartburn usually appear after having meals or liquids, but in some women, they may appear anytime, especially those in their third trimester.
How Is Heartburn During Pregnancy Treated?
You may incorporate certain lifestyle modifications before choosing medications to treat heartburn in pregnancy. However, if the symptoms are not manageable and become severe, then your doctor may prescribe pharmacologic therapy (8).
When To See A Doctor For Heartburn In Pregnancy?
If heartburn in pregnancy is not resolving despite home care and remedies, it is best to speak to your healthcare professional. Also, sometimes heartburn symptoms might resemble signs of serious medical conditions such as preeclampsia. Hence you must seek medical care if you experience (7) (11):
Breathing difficulties Bowel changes Blood in vomiting Weight loss Sudden, severe pain in the chest, arm, or jaws Severe headache Vision problems Swelling in the face and extremities
Are There Home Remedies For Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Some home remedies might help reduce heartburn during pregnancy (12).
How To Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Some ways that might help prevent heartburn during pregnancy are (7) (12):
Slow eating: Gulping down your food quickly might increase the chances of acid reflux and indigestion. Hence chew well and eat your meal slowly.
Clothing: Tight-fitting clothes may not just increase the chances of heartburn but also cause discomfort during pregnancy.
Timing meals: Heartburn frequently occurs after a large meal. Hence you can have small, frequent meals timed throughout the day to prevent heartburn and hunger pangs.
Avoiding certain foods: Spicy foods, citrus fruits, fatty foods, pickles, and sauces may trigger heartburn. You may identify and avoid such reflux-inducing foods during pregnancy.
Bedtime eating: Lying down after eating may increase heartburn symptoms. Hence you may avoid eating or drinking (caffeinated drinks) for at least two hours before sleeping.
Elevating head while sleeping: Prop up some pillows to keep your head elevated to ease heartburn symptoms. Also, sleeping on your left side might facilitate easy digestion.
Avoiding certain medications: Certain medications may increase the risk of reflux and heartburn. Avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or medications if your doctor does not prescribe them.
Smoking or alcohol intake: Women who smoke or drink alcohol may be at higher risk of having heartburn during pregnancy. Hence you may refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Taking plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water, but make sure to have a short gap for drinking water after meals. Also, you may have fresh coconut water and fresh fruit juices throughout the day to maintain good hydration levels.
Keeping a check on body weight: Keep a check on your weight. Maintain appropriate BMI to stay fit and avoid indigestion and reflux issues.
