By EKalman October 24, 2022 - 5:45am

Heartburn is characterized by a burning pain behind the breastbone. It occurs as a result of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid moves from the stomach to the esophagus. Heartburn is frequently a symptom of underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn during pregnancy is usually caused by hormonal changes or the fetus's growth. It affects between 17% and 45% of pregnant women. It's normal to have heartburn during pregnancy, but with the right diet and lifestyle, you can avoid it.

Heartburn episodes are unpredictable, but they are most common during the third trimester. When they do occur, you can treat them with natural remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Causes
Heartburn in pregnant women is caused by hormones rather than food, which is a common cause of heartburn in general.

Elevated Progesterone Levels
Progesterone, also known as the "pregnancy hormone," is the main hormone responsible for heartburn in pregnant women. It prepares your womb for implantation and supports your growing baby during early pregnancy, but that's not all it does.

Progesterone is also a muscle relaxant, relaxing the esophageal sphincter, which separates your stomach acid from your esophagus. This muscle normally opens to allow food to pass, then closes to prevent acid from ascending your esophagus. However, if it does not close properly, acid can enter your esophagus and cause heartburn.

Because of the increased progesterone production during pregnancy, this muscle is less efficient, allowing stomach acid to enter your chest and throat.

Many women who experience heartburn during pregnancy have never experienced it before. If you had heartburn before becoming pregnant, you are more likely to experience symptoms while pregnant.

Growing Uterus
During pregnancy, your baby is carried into your uterus. As your baby grows, your uterus expands and competes for space with other surrounding organs such as your stomach.

The pressure exerted by your uterus on your stomach forces stomach acids into the esophagus and chest region. Because babies and uterus are at their largest during the third trimester, women in their third-trimester experience frequent heartburn.

Changing Hormone Levels
Throughout your pregnancy, your hormone levels fluctuate, influencing how you tolerate and digest food. These hormones frequently slow your digestive system, causing food to move more slowly. This may cause bloating and heartburn.

Treatment
There are several methods for treating heartburn during pregnancy. The following natural remedies may be beneficial:
- Consuming some yogurt or milk
- Drinking a tablespoon of honey with warm milk

OTC heartburn relievers, such as Tums or Maalox, may provide relief, but they are not recommended for pregnant women. Some may have high sodium levels, causing you to retain water. They may also contain aluminum, which is harmful to pregnant women. Consult your doctor about which antacids are safe to use during pregnancy.

In severe cases, your doctor may advise you to take H2 blockers like Tagamet or Prilosec. Depending on the severity of your heartburn and your overall health, you may be given a higher dose of these drugs.

The Bottom Line
Heartburn is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Changes you can make to avoid it include not eating spicy or fried foods and sleeping with your head elevated. Some antacids are not safe for pregnant women, so consult your doctor before taking any heartburn medications.

Heartburn usually goes away after you give birth. If you had heartburn before becoming pregnant, you are more likely to have it during your pregnancy.

In general, eating healthily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will benefit you during your pregnancy. If these measures do not provide adequate relief, consult your doctor about pregnancy-safe heartburn medications.