You're probably looking for ways to get relief from the problem, but it also sometimes helps to understand why heartburn can develop when you become pregnant, or, if you had it before, why it has become so much worse.
Why do women get heartburn in pregnancy?
In most cases, heartburn starts during the first three months of pregnancy, and tends to become worse as the pregnancy progresses. The most common cause of heartburn in pregnancy is the hormonal changes which take place when a woman becomes pregnant. The placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, and also relaxes the LES (the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach), with the result that gastric acids seep back up into the esophogus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation. The muscles of the digestive tract and the way different foods are tolerated can also be affected by hormonal changes.
Later in pregnancy, the growing baby presses up on the stomach and pushes the stomach acid upwards, making the problem worse.
How can you relieve heartburn in pregnancy naturally?
You may prefer not to risk taking medication during pregnancy, in which case you could try some heartburn home remedies such as ...
- Chewing gum. This stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize the acid in your stomach and improve digestion.
- Apple cider vinegar. Mix one teaspoon of the vinegar in half a glass of water, and sip slowly.
- Ginger. This stimulates peristalsis so that the acidic stomach contents are kept down, and it improves digestion by improving circulation to the stomach and speeding up digestion. It also stimulates the production of saliva.
What medications are safe to take for heartburn in pregnancy?
If you would like to take some kind of medication to relieve your heartburn, it's important that you first check with your primary health care provider to find out what is safe.
Here are some suggestions.
- Chewable antacids made from calcium carbonate (sometimes just listed as "calcium"). These are usually fast-acting and are pleasant to taste. However, it's important that you don't eat too many of these, as excess calcium could lead to the formation of kidney stones.
- Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. You can get these in tablet or liquid form, but if you choose tablets, you should try to swallow them with as little water as possible. This is because swallowing any liquid will stimulate your stomach to produce digestive juices, including acid.
- Chewable and liquid antacids are usually more effective and act much faster than tablets because they're already dissolved when they reach the stomach.
If you are looking for a specific product, many pregnant women have found Zantac to be very effective, while others prefer Tums, but it's important that you do not take both at the same time, as Tums can make Zantac ineffective.
Acid reducers. Acid reducers provded an alternative remedy which will help you to avoid the problem of taking more antacid than you should. These are more effective and longer lasting, because instead of just neutralizing your stomach acid, they actually stop your stomach from producing as much acid as it normally would.
Tip: Acid reducers don't neutralize the acid already in your stomach, so they should be taken taken before a meal. But it's also possible to get acid-reducing medications which are a combination of an acid reducer and an antacid, so they can provide immediate relief from the acid that's causing you pain, as well as reducing further acid production for up to 12 hours.
You can get both OTC and prescription acid reducers, and they are all considered safe to take during pregnancy, even during the first trimester. But because there is always new research in medicine it's best to ask your healthcare practitioner to explain the potential risks and benefits of taking any of these medications.
Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Antacids that include aluminum (such as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum carbonate) as an ingredient. Although these products are probably safe when used occasionally at the recommended dosage, aluminum can cause constipation, and, in large doses, can be toxic.
- Remedies containing aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer). Aspirin may be listed on a label as salicylate or acetylsalicylic acid.
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and sodium citrate. Both of these are high in sodium, which causes water retention and increases the potential of fluid overload in both the baby and the mother.
- Antacids containing magnesium should be avoided during the last three months of pregnancy because magnesium could interfere with uterine contractions during labor.
How can You prevent heartburn in pregnancy?
- In many cases, some simple changes in lifestyle and habits can bring relief.
- Avoid eating greasy, high fat or spicy foods.
- Eat small meals every 2 -3 hours, rather than three large meals. This keeps your belly full and it keeps the acidity down.
- Don't drink large quantities of fluids during meals, as this may distend your stomach. Of course, it's important to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily during pregnancy, but you should sip it between meals.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and avoid any tightness around your waist and tummy.
- Bend at the knees instead of at the waist.
- Don't smoke. Apart from being harmful in other ways, smoking also boosts stomach acidity.
- Don't lie down immediately after eating.
- When lying down, keep your head elevated higher than your feet to help prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest. You can do this by elevating the head of your bed, or by placing pillows under your shoulders.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the LES.
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
We hope you have found this information useful, and that it has helped you in dealing with heartburn in pregnancy.
