Dyspepsia in pregnancy
Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy
Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content6-minute read
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Key facts
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a feeling of pain or discomfort in your stomach, while heartburn is a burning pain in your stomach and chest caused by stomach acid.
- Heartburn is very common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes and your uterus pressing up against your stomach as your baby grows.
- Heartburn is often triggered by fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate or citrus fruit juice.
- You can try to avoid heartburn by eating small meals more often, eating slowly, not lying down or exercising after meals and sleeping on several pillows.
- There are medicines you can use to control indigestion and heartburn, so see your doctor if your symptoms don’t settle down on their own.
What are indigestion and heartburn?
Indigestion and heartburn are symptoms that are very common in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, you have an 8 in 10 chance you will experience these symptoms at some point in your pregnancy.
Indigestion, also called 'dyspepsia', is a feeling of pain or discomfort in your stomach . This mostly occurs after eating or drinking.
Heartburn, also known as reflux, is a burning pain in your stomach or chest going up towards your throat. It’s caused by stomach acid coming up your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The acid irritates the lining of your oesophagus.
Sometimes food might come back up from your stomach into your mouth. You might also notice a bitter taste in your mouth.
Why might I get heartburn when I’m pregnant?
Heartburn may be caused by changes in your hormone levels. One of the pregnancy hormones, called progesterone, can relax the muscle that usually holds your oesophagus closed where it meets your stomach. This allows food and acid from your stomach to go back up your oesophagus.
Heartburn becomes more common as your pregnancy progresses. This can happen when your uterus (womb) pushes up against your stomach as your baby grows. This also pushes the contents of your stomach up into your oesophagus.
You’re more likely to get heartburn during pregnancy if you’ve had a baby before or if you get heartburn when you’re not pregnant.
What kinds of things will give me heartburn?
Heartburn can be triggered by what you eat and drink, such as:
- a big meal
- high-fat foods
- spicy foods
- chocolate
- citrus fruit juices
- drinks containing caffeine, including coffee, tea and cola
- alcohol (which is not recommended in pregnancy)
Other things that may trigger heartburn include:
- doing exercise soon after eating
- lying down after eating
- feeling anxious
Because everyone is different, it's a good idea to take note of the particular foods, drinks or activities that give you heartburn while you are pregnant.
Can heartburn hurt my baby?
Heartburn usually won’t cause any problems for your baby, but it’s uncomfortable for you.
A healthy diet is important for both your and your baby’s health. If heartburn is making it hard to eat healthy food, it’s best to treat it.
How can I avoid getting heartburn?
If your symptoms are mild, changing how you eat may help prevent heartburn. You could try:
- eating smaller meals more often and eating slowly
- avoiding eating for 2 or 3 hours before exercise or going to bed
- avoiding foods and drinks that give you heartburn
- avoiding eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach more full
- sitting up straight while eating and not lying down after a meal
- raising the head of your bed or sleeping on at least 2 pillows
- sleeping on your left side
You might find it helpful to chew gum, which makes you produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid from your stomach. Drinking milk can also help neutralise acid.
Is there any medicine I can take?
If your heartburn doesn’t improve by changing how you eat, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take medicine for it.
Antacids are the first type of medicine to try. They can relieve your symptoms quickly. Antacids are safe in pregnancy as long as you don’t take more than the recommended dose. There are many different types — talk to your pharmacist to find one that’s most suitable for you.
If antacids don’t control your symptoms, speak to your doctor about other medicines you can take.
When should I see a doctor?
If your heartburn symptoms don't go away with medicine, it's important to see your doctor. A serious pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia can cause pain under your ribs and a feeling of heartburn.
You should also see your doctor immediately if:
- you are vomiting up blood
- you are losing weight
- swallowing is painful or difficult
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Sources:
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (Pregnancy care guidelines – reflux (heartburn)), NSW Health (Heartburn in pregnancy and breastfeeding), NSW Government (Having a baby), King Edward Memorial Hospital (Minor symptoms or disorders in pregnancy), Mater Mothers (Managing pregnancy discomforts), Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Heartburn and indigestion), MSD Manual (Dyspepsia), RANZCOG (Pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2022
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Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy
Indigestion, also called heartburn or acid reflux, is common in pregnancy. It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.
You can help ease indigestion and heartburn by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, and there are medicines that are safe to take in pregnancy.
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:
- a burning sensation or pain in the chest
- feeling full, heavy or bloated
- burping or belching
- feeling or being sick
- bringing up food
Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.
You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.
Things you can do to help with indigestion and heartburn
Changes to your diet and lifestyle may be enough to control your symptoms, particularly if they are mild.
Eat healthily
You're more likely to get indigestion if you're very full.
If you're pregnant, it may be tempting to eat more than you would normally, but this may not be good for you or your baby.
Find out more about a healthy diet in pregnancy and foods to avoid.
Change your eating and drinking habits
You may be able to control your indigestion with changes to your eating habits.
It can help to eat small meals often, rather than larger meals 3 times a day, and to not eat within 3 hours of going to bed at night.
Cutting down on drinks containing caffeine, and foods that are rich, spicy or fatty, can also ease symptoms.
Keep upright
Sit up straight when you eat. This will take the pressure off your stomach. Propping your head and shoulders up when you go to bed can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep.
Stop smoking
Smoking when pregnant can cause indigestion, and can seriously affect the health of you and your unborn baby.
When you smoke, the chemicals you inhale can contribute to your indigestion. These chemicals can cause the ring of muscle at the lower end of your gullet to relax, which allows stomach acid to come back up more easily. This is known as acid reflux.
Smoking also increases the risk of:
- your baby being born prematurely (before week 37 of your pregnancy)
- your baby being born with a low birthweight
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or "cot death"
There's lots of help available to stop smoking. Talk to your midwife or call the NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044. Find out more about stopping smoking in pregnancy.
Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can cause indigestion. During pregnancy, it can also lead to long-term harm to the baby. It's safest to not drink alcohol at all in pregnancy.
Find out more about alcohol and pregnancy
When to get medical help
See your midwife or GP if you need help managing your symptoms or if changes to your diet and lifestyle do not work. They may recommend medicine to ease your symptoms.
You should also see your midwife or GP if you have any of the following:
- difficulty eating or keeping food down
- weight loss
- stomach pains
Your midwife or GP may ask about your symptoms and examine you by pressing gently on different areas of your chest and stomach to see whether it's painful.
If you're taking prescription medicines
Speak to your GP if you're taking medicine for another condition, such as antidepressants, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine.
Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless you're advised to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional who's responsible for your care.
Medicines for indigestion and heartburn
Medicines for indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy include:
- antacids – to neutralise the acid in your stomach (some are available over the counter from a pharmacist)
- alginates – to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by stopping the acid in your stomach coming back up your gullet
You may only need to take antacids and alginates when you start getting symptoms. However, your GP may recommend taking them before symptoms come on – for example, before a meal or before bed.
If you're taking iron supplements as well as antacids, do not take them at the same time. Antacids can stop iron from being absorbed by your body.
If antacids and alginates do not improve your symptoms, your GP may prescribe a medicine to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. 2 that are widely used in pregnancy and not known to be harmful to an unborn baby are:
- ranitidine – a tablet you take twice a day
- omeprazole – a tablet you take once a day
Causes of indigestion in pregnancy
Symptoms of indigestion come when the acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or your gullet. This causes pain and a burning feeling.
When you're pregnant, you're more likely to have indigestion because of:
- hormonal changes
- the growing baby pressing on your stomach
- the muscles between your stomach and gullet relaxing, allowing stomach acid to come back up
You may be more likely to get indigestion in pregnancy if:
- you had indigestion before you were pregnant
- you've been pregnant before
- you're in the later stages of pregnancy
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Gastritis during pregnancy
During pregnancy, physiological changes occur that can cause various symptoms, including heartburn, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Knowledge of pregnancy-related disorders is essential, and often collaboration between gastroenterologists and obstetricians is required for effective treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy
One of the most common problems during pregnancy are problems with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Some women may experience problems after pregnancy. Gastrointestinal problems primarily affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum, but they can also affect other digestive organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Some women may have persistent gastrointestinal problems that may worsen during pregnancy and require special attention.
Pregnancy can exacerbate most gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux and inflammatory bowel disease. Gastrointestinal problems are very common in pregnant women. Dyspepsia affects 50–90% of all patients. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
Most of these symptoms are the result of normal physiological changes, which include both functional and structural changes. These changes can lead to new symptoms, exacerbate a pre-existing condition, or cover up a potentially fatal condition. Failure to manage these symptoms due to lack of experience can be fatal.
The physician should be able to tell whether these symptoms are normal pregnancy symptoms or signs of a potentially life-threatening condition such as preeclampsia. The doctor also needs to know which medications are safe to use during pregnancy, as well as which tests are safe to do.
GERD is common during pregnancy, especially in the first or second trimester. It causes heartburn, or acid indigestion, by affecting the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that connects the esophagus and stomach.
Causes of gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy
The following are some of the most common causes or risk factors for gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy:
- Poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes , which is exerted by the growing fetus.
- Gastrointestinal motility disorders
- Obesity
- Certain drugs
- Thyroid disorders
- Relaxation of the muscles between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to pass into the esophagus.
- Food intolerance or allergies
- Lack of physical exercises or activity
- stress
- Excessive use of laxatives
- Viral or bacterial infection
You may have more chances to get the stomach or gastritis, if:
- you are pregnant
- You had dyspepsia before pregnancy.
- You are in the late stages of pregnancy
Women with gastritis will have an exacerbation of the disease during pregnancy.
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:
- burning or pain in the chest
- feeling of full, heavy or bloated stomach
- belching of air 0028
Symptoms usually appear shortly after eating or drinking, but sometimes there may be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.
These symptoms may appear at any stage of pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks.
Definition of gastritis
Gastritis is a condition that develops as a result of inflammation, irritation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. Most often, this occurs as a result of infection with the same bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
Gastritis often develops during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of gastritis, this may be due to all the changes that are taking place in your body.
Gastritis comes in two forms, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the length of the incubation period. Acute and chronic gastritis have similar symptoms, namely loss of appetite, occasional nausea and vomiting, indigestion and a feeling of bloating, especially after eating. However, the pain in acute gastritis occurs more suddenly, is temporary, while in chronic gastritis the pain is more dull and prolonged. Left untreated, both conditions can lead to ulcers or an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Despite this, gastritis is not a big problem with timely and proper treatment.
What symptoms of gastritis can expectant mothers have? Should one of them be taken more seriously than the other?
Heartburn, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea are minor discomforts during pregnancy but, depending on severity and frequency, may indicate serious health problems. Use self-help measures and home remedies to reduce minor symptoms. Visit your doctor if problems persist.
Diagnosis of gastritis
Diagnosis of gastritis includes many tests including:
- Endoscopy:
- Biopsy:
During an endoscopy, small tissue samples are taken and examined in a laboratory. Among other things, the pathologist will check for inflammatory cells and epithelial damage.
Effect of gastritis on pregnancy
- As we have stated before, pregnancy increases your chances of developing non-chronic gastritis. Although a pregnant woman suffering from gastritis may experience an exacerbation of symptoms, there is no negative effect on the course of pregnancy and the development of the child.
You may have the following symptoms:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that comes on intermittently
- Feeling sick or throwing up
- Upset stomach
- Feeling full in the upper abdomen after eating
- Loss of appetite 8
What are the main causes of gastritis during pregnancy?
The gastric mucosa secretes mucus to protect against damage from corrosive digestive juices. Gastritis occurs due to inflammation of this layer of tissue. The main source of the disease is the bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can cause ulcers and, in severe cases, stomach cancer. It is usually spread from person to person, but can also be spread through contaminated food or drink.
Other risk factors can also cause gastritis, including alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse, regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs, severe stress, chronic vomiting, and older age.
Irritant foods
Many of the meals you had before pregnancy can make your symptoms worse during pregnancy. Many of these annoying foods you may also enjoy during pregnancy: spicy, fried foods, high-fat foods, and sour foods like tomato soup. Limiting these foods will help you avoid indigestion during pregnancy.
Some foods do not usually cause an immediate reaction, but may increase pain over time. Cut down on red meat and processed foods like white bread and sugar to avoid long-term problems. Red meat should be replaced with beef and pork, and whole grain bread should be used.
Caffeine
Foods and drinks with caffeine can also aggravate gastritis. Even one cup of coffee can increase the level of acid in the stomach, leading to inflammation of the stomach lining. To avoid this problem, replace coffee drinks with herbal teas and caffeinated sodas with flavored water.
Gastric ulcer
According to many physiologists, elevated progesterone reduces both basal and induced acid production, reducing symptoms associated with acidity. It is also believed that an increased amount of histaminase produced by the placenta contributes to a decrease in acid secretion.
It is clear that H. pylori plays a key role in the development of peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori infection is common in patients from non-industrialized countries and in women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Patients with chronic active gastritis caused by H. pylori account for more than 90% of peptic ulcers in people not taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Testing for H. pylori
Because of the importance of this bacterium in ulcer development, all patients with peptic ulcer should be tested for it. Non-invasive methods include serological testing and analysis of stool for antigens, as well as histology and rapid determination of urease during endoscopy.
The urea breath test has a low radiation risk and should probably be avoided during pregnancy. Patients with peptic ulcers will be cured if H. pylori is found and treated with antibiotics. Since eradication methods have not been tested during pregnancy, pregnant peptic ulcer patients who test positive for H. pylori face a difficult situation.
These regimens include three or two antibiotics as well as proton pump inhibitors. Eradication therapy should generally be delayed until after the baby is born, given the perceived risk of treatment. Most patients will benefit from maintenance therapy with H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors until eradication therapy is available postpartum.
Metronidazole and amoxicillin have been shown to be safe in pregnant women and are classified as class B drugs for pregnant women. They can be taken with a proton pump inhibitor for 14 days to clear H. pylori if the ulcer is complex or refractory to antisecretory therapy. Other antibiotics that are effective in eradicating H. pylori, such as clarithromycin (Class C) and tetracycline (Class D), should be avoided during pregnancy unless needed. Bismuth, a category C drug, has been associated with prenatal toxicity in animals and has been associated with an increased risk of fetal ductus arteriosus occlusion.
Complications
Gastritis can develop into stomach ulcers and bleeding. Some types of persistent gastritis, especially if you have severe thinning of the lining of your stomach and changes in the cells in your lining, can in rare cases raise your risk of developing stomach cancer.
Pregnancy Gastritis Home Remedies
Change your eating habits. Eliminate spicy, fried, sour and fatty foods from the diet, as they can exacerbate gastritis. Caffeinated drinks are also triggers, so replace coffee and sodas with herbal teas and flavored water.
Some foods, such as red meat, pork, and refined foods, may not cause an immediate reaction, but may worsen pain in the long term. Instead of using three large meals, distribute four to six smaller meals throughout the day.
Your diet should consist of foods that are easy for the stomach to digest, such as low-fat dairy products, soup, porridge, as well as steamed or boiled lean meat, fish. Wash down everything with freshly squeezed juice from fruits and vegetables.
Eat healthy
You can control your indigestion by changing your eating habits.
Indigestion is more likely if you overeat. It may be helpful to eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals three times a day and avoid eating for three hours after going to bed in the evening. During pregnancy, it may be tempting to eat more than usual, but this can be harmful for both you and your baby.
Changes in diet and lifestyle may be enough to control your symptoms, especially if they are mild. Learn more about healthy pregnancy foods and foods to avoid.
Caffeinated drinks and spicy or fatty foods may also worsen symptoms. If your symptoms are not severe, a simple diet change may help. Certain foods have been linked to an increased risk of gastritis. To prevent this, avoid hot and spicy foods, acidic foods, and processed or packaged foods. You should also avoid any alcohol and limit your caffeine intake as recommended.
Some foods can help relieve the symptoms of gastritis and you can include them in your diet. These foods are:
- High in fiber, such as carrots, broccoli, oatmeal, and beans
- Non acidic, such as vegetables
- Low in fat, such as turkey breast, chicken, and fish.
- Contains flavonoids such as cranberries, cranberry juice, apples, garlic, celery, onions and tea.
Stand upright after eating
Sit up straight when you eat. This will slightly reduce the pressure in the stomach. When you go to bed, elevate your head and shoulders to prevent the release of stomach acid during sleep.
Do not smoke
Smoking during pregnancy can cause indigestion and adversely affect the health of both you and your unborn baby. The chemicals you breathe in when you smoke can contribute to indigestion. These chemicals can relax the ring of muscles in the lower esophagus, allowing stomach acid to pass more easily. This is called acid reflux.
Smoking also increases the risk:
- Birth of a child with a low weight of
- Giving birth to
- Sudden children's death syndrome (SVDS)
- There are many ways to quit smoking
Avoid alcohol
Completely alcohol. indigestion. It can potentially cause long-term harm to the baby if used during pregnancy. It is best not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
What medicines are recommended to relieve discomfort?
Your doctor will be able to determine if the medicine you are currently taking is safe for you and your baby. If necessary, they will be able to recommend an alternative medicine or treatment.
Among the medicines used to treat indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy:
- Antacids: to reduce stomach acid
- Alginates: relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by preventing stomach acid from rising up into the esophagus.
If antacids and alginates do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce stomach acid. The following are two medicines that are commonly used during pregnancy and are not harmful to the unborn baby:
- ranitidine is a drug you take twice a day
- omeprazole - once daily
Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, and magnesium have not been shown to be teratogenic in animal studies and are recommended as first-line therapy for heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy. Over-the-counter antacids, such as Gaviscon, can help you manage occasional heartburn symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe histamine-2 blockers (such as ranitidine or cimetidine) or proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) if your condition does not respond well to antacids.
Although there is no evidence that the use of this medicine is harmful during pregnancy, it is recommended that the drug be used during pregnancy only as needed when there are no other options. If you experience nausea and vomiting (especially early in the trimester), your doctor may prescribe certain antiemetic drugs, such as metoclopramide (brand name Maxolon) and domperidone (brand name Motilium). However, some women with a more severe form of nausea in pregnancy, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, may require further hospitalization and evaluation.
Some medicines are not approved for use in pregnant women. If you are already taking gastritis medication and are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should contact your doctor for further guidance.
If you are taking iron supplements and antacids, do not take them at the same time. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron by the body.
Gastroenteritis in Pregnancy
Infectious gastroenteritis is a common disease that in most cases has a benign outcome during pregnancy. However, this causes unpleasant symptoms and the mother's concern for the well-being of the fetus.
Symptoms such as blood or mucus in the stool, frequency and amount of diarrhea and/or vomiting, fever, discomfort and oliguria should be noted in the history. The route of infection (oral ingestion, interaction with other affected individuals, contact with contaminated food or water) must be determined. Signs of preterm labor and the condition of the fetus, such as fetal movements, uterine activity, and vaginal prolapse, should also be taken into account.
While most forms of infectious gastroenteritis during pregnancy do not have long-term consequences for the mother or fetus, Listeria monocytogenes infection is more dangerous. During pregnancy, listeriosis can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as fever and flu-like symptoms.
In most cases, rehydration is the main treatment for gastroenteritis in pregnant women. Many women can achieve this on an outpatient basis, either through oral rehydration therapy or a short hospital stay for intravenous fluids. If a woman is unable to perform oral rehydration, has underlying medical conditions, or has signs of fetal distress or preterm labor, hospitalization may be required.
To avoid serious neurological consequences such as Wernicke's encephalopathy or demyelination of the central pons, normal saline or Hartmann's solution is preferred over 5% dextrose or hypertonic saline in women with severe dehydration. Loperamide is a category B3 medicine that is not recommended for use in pregnant women. It is commonly used to relieve diarrhea in non-pregnant patients. If hospitalization is necessary, appropriate infection control measures should be taken to protect staff and other patients from infection.
When should I see a doctor about gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy?
It is very important to tell your doctor even if you are experiencing only minor gastrointestinal problems. He or she can advise you on the best ways to manage these symptoms and then monitor you throughout your pregnancy for signs of worsening.
Call your doctor right away if your symptoms are severe, become severe, continuous, or linger. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away and get medical attention.
- Blood vomiting
- Blood or black chair
- Loss weight
- Strong discomfort, which interferes with everyday activity
- Episodes of suffocation
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Strong weakness
After we have looked at the most important symptoms of gastritis for pregnant women, there is no need to worry, as they occur infrequently during pregnancy. However, you should pay attention to the symptoms, especially if the stool is dark, and consult your doctor and follow the previous advice to avoid any complications that may affect your pregnancy.
Heartburn during pregnancy - Juno
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Articles
Heartburn during pregnancy
Most often, heartburn begins to bother pregnant women in the later stages, in the second or third semester. What is the cause of heartburn during pregnancy and how to deal with it? Read our article!
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy
Heartburn (acid dyspepsia) is an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest and mouth. In pregnant women, heartburn may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, pain in the throat, abdomen and stomach, as well as a disorder in the swallowing mechanism. Also, heartburn during pregnancy is fraught with sleep and eating disorders.
Consider the main causes of heartburn during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, the production of progesterone, or the so-called pregnancy hormone, rises. He is responsible for relaxing the muscles of the uterus in order to avoid abortion. The difficulty lies in the fact that the action of this hormone also extends to the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Between the esophagus and the stomach is a sphincter that must close after food enters the stomach. But under the influence of progesterone, the performance of the sphincter worsens, due to which the food returns to the esophagus, and with hydrochloric acid, which aggravates the situation. In addition, due to a violation of the hormonal background, the acidity of the gastric juice increases, which also provokes the appearance of heartburn.
Mechanical action
From the second trimester, the size of the uterus increases significantly, so there is pressure on the digestive tract. In this case, the volume of the stomach decreases, which creates conditions for throwing the contents of the stomach into the esophagus.
Heartburn can occur due to weight gain, because under the influence of extra pounds, blood pressure begins to affect the abdominal cavity. It is advisable to avoid tight clothing, because if the clothing squeezes and tights the stomach, this can provoke the release of acid from the stomach.
The use of certain foods.
During pregnancy, heartburn can cause the following types of food:
- Fatty food (fish, meat).
- Dairy products (ryazhenka, kefir, etc.).
- Baking.
- Fast food.
- Some types of fruits: citrus, kiwi, green apples, honeysuckle, currants.
- Tomatoes.
- Chocolate.
- Smoked products.
- Marinades.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Hard boiled eggs.
Treatment of heartburn during pregnancy
To treat heartburn during pregnancy in mild cases, it is enough to follow the following points:
- Dieting. For pregnant women, oatmeal, natural milk, boiled or baked meat and fish of low-fat varieties, steamed omelettes are recommended. A diet for heartburn implies certain restrictions, especially in plant foods, which can lead to a deficiency of minerals and vitamins necessary for the body. To avoid this situation, you can take vitamin and mineral complexes designed specifically for pregnant women. Such drugs, for example, include the Pregnoton Mama complex. It contains folic acid, Omega-3, liposomal iron, iodine, selenium, biotin, zinc, and vitamins. All these substances are necessary for the proper formation and development of the fetus. The drug is available in the form of soft capsules that are easy to swallow. Thus, mother and baby will receive all the necessary substances, even if the diet is followed.
- Lifestyle change. Not only for the prevention of heartburn, but in general, during pregnancy, it is necessary to give up alcohol and cigarettes, including electronic ones. After each meal, it is better to walk a little or sit quietly. It is strictly not recommended to take a horizontal position and bend over.
- Proper sleep. To prevent heartburn, pregnant women are shown to sleep with the head end of the bed raised. This is where an extra pillow can come in handy.
- Correct food intake. Food must be chewed thoroughly, not in a hurry. It is better to reduce the amount of servings, but increase the number of meals.
How to quickly get rid of heartburn during pregnancy?
What helps with heartburn: treatment with folk remedies
- The use of baking soda for heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common "folk" ways to deal with heartburn. This method really gives a quick effect, but it passes quickly, and in addition, soda interacts with gastric juice, which leads to the release of additional portions of hydrochloric acid and, accordingly, to heartburn.
- Milk. The drink contains a large amount of proteins and antacids, which reduce the level of acidity. Often it is enough to drink one glass of milk for heartburn to recede. To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of fennel.
- Potato juice squeezed from a grated raw potato can be an effective remedy for heartburn during pregnancy, as it normalizes acidity. However, not everyone can force themselves to drink potato juice, as it has a peculiar taste.
- Ground eggshell. The shell contains calcium carbonate, which reduces the level of acidity in the body. Note that with long-term use, this method will give the opposite effect, that is, the acidity will increase.
- Carrot juice. Helps neutralize acidity.
- Oatmeal has an enveloping property, thanks to which it is able to block discomfort.
However, before resorting to "folk" ways to deal with heartburn, still discuss with your doctor who deals with pregnancy, how best to deal with the problem in your case.
In the final months, heartburn tends to subside as the body reduces progesterone production, and the pressure on the internal organs decreases as the belly sinks down.
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