Heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common digestive conditions that can occur during pregnancy. These conditions are caused by the contents of the stomach backing up into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
During pregnancy, the hormones progesterone and relaxin cause the muscles in the digestive system to relax, which can lead to slower digestion and an increased likelihood of acid reflux. Additionally, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, pushing its contents up into the esophagus.
If you experience severe or persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. In rare cases, these conditions can lead to more serious complications.
During normal digestion, food travels down the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and into the stomach.
The LES is part of the doorway between your esophagus and your stomach. It opens to allow food through and closes to stop stomach acids from coming back up.
When you have heartburn, or acid reflux, the LES relaxes enough to allow stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This can cause pain and burning in the chest area.
During pregnancy, hormone changes can allow the muscles in the esophagus, including the LES, to relax more frequently. The result is that more acids may seep back up, particularly when you’re lying down or after you’ve eaten a large meal.
In addition, as your fetus grows during the second and third trimesters and your uterus expands to accommodate that growth, your stomach is under more pressure. This can also result in food and acid being pushed back up into your esophagus.
Heartburn is a common occurrence for most people at one time or another, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. However, if you also experience other symptoms, such as a missed period or nausea, these could be signs that you need to take a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy increases your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, muscles in your esophagus push food more slowly into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty.
This gives your body more time to absorb nutrients for the fetus, but it can also result in heartburn.
During the third trimester, the growth of your baby can push your stomach out of its normal position, which can lead to heartburn.
However, each woman is different. Being pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have heartburn. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.
Relieving heartburn during pregnancy typically involves some trial and error.
Here are some tips for managing heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD during pregnancy:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. This can help prevent stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Avoid lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating. This can help prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
- Elevate the head of your bed by placing blocks or a wedge under the head of the mattress. This can help gravity keep stomach contents in the stomach.
- Talk to your doctor about safe medications for heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy. Some antacids and acid-reducing medications are safe to take during pregnancy.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid putting pressure on the stomach.
Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or guided imagery. Always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.
Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox may help you cope with occasional heartburn symptoms. Those made of calcium carbonate or magnesium are good options.
However, it may be best to avoid magnesium during the last trimester of pregnancy. Magnesium could interfere with contractions during labor.
Most doctors recommend avoiding antacids that contain high levels of sodium. These antacids can lead to a buildup of fluid in the tissues.
You should also avoid any antacids that list aluminum on the label, as in “aluminum hydroxide” or “aluminum carbonate”. These antacids can lead to constipation.
Finally, stay away from medications like Alka-Seltzer that may contain aspirin.
Ask your doctor for the best option. If you find yourself downing bottles of antacids, your heartburn may have progressed to gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD). In that case, you may need a stronger treatment.
If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing, coughing, weight loss, or black stools), you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.
Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.
Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. ResearchTrusted Source indicates that medications called H2 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.
Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
If you’re concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.
