How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy

Up to 50% of women experience heartburn at some point during pregnancy. Although it can occur in any period of gestation, it often occurs in the third trimester. Pregnancy can be accompanied by heartburn, as the growing uterus exerts pressure on the stomach.

One of the main symptoms is a burning sensation behind the sternum. This occurs when the valve that connects the esophagus or the food tube to the stomach is weakened, and the stomach acid and the contents return to the food tube. Gastric acid is irritating, and it causes a burning sensation in the chest.

In addition to burning in the chest, the symptoms of heartburn include:

• Regurgitation;
• Bloating;
• Nausea.

These symptoms appear soon after eating, although not always immediately.

Why do pregnant women have heartburn?

Heartburn is likely to develop heartburn for a number of reasons:

• During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is produced in large quantities to support the bearing of the fetus. Progesterone provokes a weakening of the valve, which separates the food tube from the stomach.
• At later stages of pregnancy, the growing uterus begins to exert pressure on the stomach and other internal organs. Such an effect can also push food and stomach acid back into the food tube.
• Indigestion and heartburn are more likely in women who have suffered from such a disease before pregnancy, or those who have already had a baby.

Prevention

Preventing heartburn is the best way to cope with the ailment. Some foods or drinks tend to cause her symptoms. Their exclusion from the diet can help prevent the discomfort associated with heartburn.

The list of such products should include:

• Oranges, grapefruits and pineapples;
• caffeine;
• carbonated drinks;
• Fatty foods;
• Spicy dishes;
• Tomatoes;
• chocolate.

It is also useful to eat more often and in small portions.

Staying upright for at least 20-30 minutes after eating can prevent the contents of the stomach from getting into the food tube.

It is better not to eat for 3 hours before going to bed. It is recommended to use additional pillows to keep the head in a raised state. This can help prevent heartburn, which is provoked at night.

It is important to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. None of these bad habits is conducive to well-being during pregnancy, and they can provoke a burning sensation in the stomach. Anyone who is difficult to quit smoking should talk with a doctor.

After drinking a glass of milk, you can help reduce the symptoms. Low-fat or skim milk is better, because whole milk is rich in fat, and this can aggravate pathology.

Treating heartburn

If lifestyle changes did not help prevent heartburn symptoms, then perhaps it's time to resort to using medications.

Below are general information about antacids and other drugs. Before carrying out treatment, it is recommended to consult with a specialist.

Calcium carbonate

The drug is considered safe during pregnancy. It neutralizes the acid of the stomach. Thus, its walls are less irritated when it supports the food tube. You should be sure that you carefully read the instructions on the bottle and determined for yourself a safe dose during pregnancy.

H2-receptor antagonists

Drugs are also considered safe in pregnancy. These include famotidine, cimetidine, and ranitidine. The funds are released without a prescription, or with a doctor's prescription. They help to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors prevent the secretion of acid in the stomach and act positively in the treatment of heartburn. Common PIs include pantoprazole and lansoprazole. They are also available without a prescription.

Most proton pump inhibitors are considered safe. However, omeprazole is not recommended for use. There have been few studies to confirm the safety of the drug.

Women should always tell their doctor about all the medicines and herbs they take during pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

It is important to visit a doctor regularly as part of antenatal consultations. For heartburn that does not get rid of a lifestyle change or diet, tell your doctor. If you used a medicine, indicate how effective it is in treating the symptoms.

Even though heartburn is common during pregnancy, it is especially important to mention symptoms that are serious and interfere with daily life.