What's happening and why
Between the esophagus and the stomach there is a muscular sphincter that prevents acidic contents from returning. Progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy, relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including this sphincter. At the same time, gastric emptying slows down, and as the uterus grows, intra-abdominal pressure increases and the stomach moves upward. All this facilitates the reflux of acid into the esophagus, the mucous membrane of which is not adapted to it. Hence the burning sensation, sour taste in the mouth and discomfort, which intensifies while lying down and after a heavy meal.
- Relaxation of the esophageal sphincter with progesterone
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Displacement of the stomach by the growing uterus
- Increased complaints in a horizontal position
How it manifests itself
The typical sensation is a burning or heat behind the sternum, rising up, sometimes to the throat. Often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, belching, a sensation of a lump, and less often - coughing and hoarseness in the morning. Complaints intensify after a large or fatty dinner, bending over, while lying down and in the later stages. In some women, heartburn appears already in the first trimester due to toxicosis. Abdominal pain, vomiting blood and difficulty swallowing are not typical for common heartburn in pregnant women.
- Burning behind the sternum, especially in the evening and at night
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Belching air or sour
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Morning hoarseness and cough
- Increased after eating and when bending over
Nutrition and regimen
Lifestyle changes for pregnancy heartburn work better than they seem and are always the first place to start. You should eat in small portions 5-6 times a day, chewing thoroughly, and do not lie down immediately after eating - it is better to wait at least two hours and walk around. The last meal is preferably three hours before bedtime. The head of the bed is raised 15 centimeters or an additional pillow is placed under the upper body, and not just under the head. Tight clothing and belts that compress the stomach increase the risk of casting.
- Fractional meals in small portions
- Do not lie down for two hours after eating
- Dinner three hours before bedtime
- Raised headboard
- Loose clothing without pressure on the stomach
- Sleeping on your left side
What to limit
Foods that trigger heartburn are different for everyone, so it makes sense to watch yourself and keep a short food diary. Most often, complaints are aggravated by fatty and fried foods, chocolate, coffee and strong tea, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and tomatoes, hot seasonings, onions and garlic, as well as mint, which many mistakenly consider a remedy for heartburn. Smoking and secondhand smoke dramatically worsen reflux and are harmful for many other reasons. It is also better not to drink large volumes of liquid during meals.
- Fatty and fried foods
- Coffee, strong tea, carbonated drinks
- Chocolate and mint
- Citrus fruits, tomatoes, sour juices
- Hot spices, onion, garlic
- Smoking, including passive smoking
Medicines and when you need a doctor
If the regimen does not help, the doctor selects medications. Typically they start with acid-neutralizing antacids; during pregnancy, they prefer products without large amounts of sodium, and do not use drugs with bismuth. Baking soda is not suitable as a home remedy: it gives a short-term effect, retains fluid and promotes swelling. For persistent heartburn, your doctor may prescribe medications that reduce acid production; they are used during pregnancy as indicated. Gastroscopy is rarely performed, only when there are alarming signs.
- Antacids allowed during pregnancy
- Avoiding baking soda as a remedy for heartburn
- Acid-reducing drugs - as prescribed by a doctor
- Assessing signs of preeclampsia with pain in the hypochondrium
- Gastroscopy only for alarming symptoms
- Any medications should be discussed with your doctor
