Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy

At least 50 percent of all pregnant women experience, if not suffer from heartburn. And most pregnant women often report severe heartburn symptoms during their second and third trimesters. Heartburn is a condition where the esophagus is irritated by frequent gastric acid influx caused by an underactive lower esophageal sphincter or LES. Heartburn is usually felt as a burning sensation in the chest.

There are many reasons why heartburn occurs during pregnancy. For one, the pregnant women experience a change in hormone levels. The existence of pregnancy hormones introduces many changes in the body. And one of these changes is having episodes of heartburn symptoms. Pregnancy hormones primarily affect how the muscles function. And the digestive muscles is one of those affected, making it usually non-responsive and less active. Two, the change in hormone levels may also affect one’s tolerance or reaction to food. Hence, the sensitivity to spicy food is heightened during this period.

Heartburn during pregnancy, though may be very uncomfortable, is not usually treated with medications. Heartburn improves, if not disappears, after childbirth. It is highly recommended that you try making lifestyle modifications before resorting to medications when it comes to treating heartburn symptoms.

To reduce heartburn symptoms, you may want to try the following:

Eat five, small meals instead of three, large ones. This will reduce the pressure on your stomach, which may prevent heartburn symptoms from setting in.

Be a ‘mindful’ eater. By being mindful of what you are eating, you are actually giving your body time to recognize that it is already full. With this, you prevent heartburn symptoms in two ways. One, by eating slowly, and, two, by discouraging yourself to eat more when you recognize that you are already full.

Prevent from drinking while eating. By drinking large amounts of fluid, you actually encourage the reflux of gastric acid, which ultimately leads to heartburn. Also, by drinking lots of fluid, you cheat your way to the feeling of satiety, which is a great way to lose weight but not to prevent heartburn symptoms. During pregnancy, it is important that your body recognizes that it is full to discourage you from overeating or consuming large meals.

Sit, not lie down after eating. Immediately lying down after meals encourages heartburn symptoms. If you feel sleepy or that you need to rest immediately after meal, lie down but keep your head elevated by adding more pillows or propping the head of your bed up than its foot. This is also recommended when you sleep.

Ask for heartburn medications. It is important that you relieve yourself from heartburn symptoms without hurting your baby. Ask your doctor for medications that are safe both for you and your baby. Maalox and Tums are two of the most recommended heartburn meds for pregnant women. While these meds are in tablet form, recent studies show that liquid heartburn relievers are better in treating the symptoms of heartburn as they coat the esophagus.

Wear loose pregnancy clothes. There are two reasons why you should opt for loose-fitting clothes (think dresses). One, these maternity clothes relieve pressure from your belly. Two, tight-fitting clothes actually put unnecessary pressure on your stomach, increasing the likelihood of heartburn.