Interesting Information About Pregnancy and Heartburn

About half of all pregnant women go through pregnancy and heartburn. This symptom gets really serious during the second and third trimester. It is also known as acid reflux result of indigestion. It presents itself as an irritating sensation in the esophagus and the problem is caused by the reflux of the stomach contents.

Pregnancy and Heartburn

Information about heartburn and pregnancy

It is believed that the problem is caused by the fluctuating hormone levels that have an effect on the muscles of the stomach and that also affect the way certain foods are tolerated by the stomach.

Because of the hormones the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes.

Women experience heartburn during pregnancy because the acids’ reflux into the esophagus. In the same time the enlarged uterus makes the abdomen more crowded, pushing the stomach acids towards the esophagus. It is also possible for the gallstones to lead to heartburn.

Prevention and treatment

You have several possibilities to make heartburn better. For instance you could try to have more frequent and smaller meals instead of three large meals. When you are eating you should take your time to chew the food to make digestion easier for your stomach.

When it comes to your food choices regarding pregnant women’s heartburn you should do your best to avoid spicy, rich or fried foods and all kinds of foods that lead to the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter and that increase the chances of you experiencing heartburn.

Although it is important to stay hydrated during your pregnancy, when it comes to the heartburn of pregnant women you should make sure that you don’t drink too much water while you are eating. This is important because water can increase the chances of experiencing acid reflux.

It is true that it feels good to lie down after a meal, but in order to avoid pregnancy heartburn you shouldn’t lie down right after you eat. If you do lie down, it is best to keep your head higher than your feet. If your shoulders are elevated you can prevent the stomach acids from rising into the esophagus.

Medication

If you can’t handle heartburn during pregnancy you should ask your doctor about the available over-the-counter medication. Safe choices include Maalox and Tums. Most probably you will find that the liquid treatments work better than the other ones because they can coat the esophagus.

Clothing

Believe it or not, when you are thinking about expecting mothers and heartburn you also have to consider the kind of clothing that they are wearing. It is important to wear loose clothing in this period because the tight clothes can put too much pressure on the stomach and abdomen.

Constipation

This pregnancy symptom may also have something to do with experiencing heartburn while pregnant. This is why it is important to avoid constipation. For this you should make dietary changes or you might try using different kinds of medications. Discuss this problem with your doctor to make sure that your baby is safe.

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