Feel the Burn? Heartburn During Pregnancy

It’s uncomfortable. It burns. It may even leave a funny taste in your mouth. If you’re familiar with these symptoms, then you’re familiar with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux.

GERD affects millions of Americans each year, and most people experience it at some point in their lifetime. The first time many women experience heartburn is during pregnancy. This painful, burning sensation commonly occurs during the second and third trimester and typically is not a sign of something serious. But that doesn’t make it less annoying.

What exactly is GERD?

Although known as “heartburn,” acid reflux has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, it occurs when a valve-like muscle between your stomach and esophagus fails to seal tightly, allowing stomach acid to pass back up into the esophagus. This creates an uncomfortable burning sensation behind your breastbone or in your stomach that seems to rise up into your throat. Since the pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause this valve-like muscle to relax, acid can easily slip back into your esophagus, causing frequent heartburn.

Easing the burn

Certain foods and activities can make heartburn symptoms worse for pregnant women. If you are experiencing GERD, it’s a good idea to avoid:

• Greasy and fatty foods.
• Onions and garlic.
• Spicy foods.
• Chocolate, coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

Attacking GERD at the source

Fortunately, GERD can often be treated most effectively through lifestyle changes. To prevent pregnancy-related heartburn before it starts, you can also practice these simple tips daily:

• Eat smaller meals –– eating five or six small meals a day is easier for your body to digest.
• Don’t eat foods that are known to cause heartburn, such as the foods mentioned above or any other foods that seem to trigger heartburn for you.
• Don’t bend over or lie down promptly after eating –– give food a chance to digest before resting. If you must lie down, prop yourself up with a few pillows.
• Gain a sensible amount of weight –– adding too many pounds can increase pressure on your abdomen and cause frequent heartburn.
• Avoid tight clothing, as this can also put pressure on your abdomen.
• Avoid liquids during meals –– instead, drink between meals.

If these suggestions do not ease your heartburn, an antacid may be required for relief. Talk to your healthcare provider for one that is safe, effective and right for you.

For most women, the heartburn experienced while pregnant is mild and only temporary. However, if heartburn is chronic and severe enough, it may be an indicator of something more serious. See your healthcare provider at Riverview Health if your heartburn keeps you from sleeping, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, makes it difficult to swallow, or if you spit up blood or experience weight loss.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: MarchofDimes.com, NIH.gov