What causes heartburn during pregnancy and how to treat it

What causes heartburn during pregnancy may be a question that many pregnant women want to answer. 

Heartburn (also called acid reflux or acid indigestion) is a burning sensation that usually spreads from the lower sternum to the lower throat. It happens when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The acid can also back up into the throat or oral cavity, leaving a sour and bitter taste.

About 8 out of 10 pregnant women experience heartburn at some point. Many pregnant women experience heartburn early in pregnancy. This is a common and not dangerous symptom, but it can cause pain. Although it has nothing to do with the heart, heartburn causes a burning sensation in the center of the chest.

The cause of heartburn during pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body can cause temporary symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. In addition, the increase in levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy dilates the smooth muscle of the uterus. Experts also believe that this hormone also relaxes the valves that separate the stomach and esophagus. This causes acid from the stomach to back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Progesterone also reduces gastric motility, slowing digestion. In the last months of pregnancy, the developing fetus pushes the small intestine and stomach up. This even slows down digestion and pushes acid from the stomach to the esophagus.

How to help pregnant mother self-prevent heartburn

Heartburn prevention is the best way to cope with it! While there's no way to completely get rid of heartburn, there are steps you can take to minimize the discomfort:

Avoid foods and drinks that cause digestive problems. Common things to avoid such as carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods such as orange juice, lemons and sour fruits, mustard, vinegar, processed meats, spicy, spicy or deep fried foods;

Don't eat big meals. Instead, pregnant mothers should eat small meals throughout the day and take the time to eat and chew well;

Avoid drinking too much water with meals. Drinking plenty of fluids is important during pregnancy, but drink it after you eat if you don't want to stretch your stomach;

Chew gum after eating. Gum stimulates the salivary glands to release saliva to neutralize acidity;

Don't eat near bedtime. Your body needs 2 to 3 hours to digest before you sleep;

Sleep with pillows or a blanket around you. Raising the upper body will keep acid in the stomach where it was born and will aid digestion;

No smoking. In addition to being the main cause of many health problems, tobacco also increases stomach acid. So to have good pregnancy health, you quit smoking before pregnancy. If you still smoke and find it difficult to quit, contact your doctor about a smoking cessation program;

Increase healthy weight and keep weight as recommended by your doctor;

Wear comfortable and soft clothing. Mom should avoid tightening objects around the abdomen and waist.

If any of the above methods do not work, contact your doctor to prescribe anti-heartburn medications that are safe to use during pregnancy.