If you’ve experienced heartburn during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most women experience this at some point during their pregnancy and some women experience it through most of their trimesters. If you suffer from painful heartburn, don’t fret. Here’s what you need to know…

What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?

There’s a valve between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents stomach acid from getting into our esophagus. If everything is functioning properly, this process is what prevents heartburn. When we are pregnant, however, this valve relaxes due to the hormone progesterone. Pregnancy increases progesterone, which allows pregnant women to experience heartburn more frequently.

The 411: Don’t Worry, This Is Natural

Most women will experience heartburn at some point in their pregnancy, and while yes, this can be painful, it’s normal and nothing to worry about. Your heartburn should disappear once the baby is born. In the meantime, you can take measures to try to ease or prevent your heartburn.

5 Ways to Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy:

1. Watch your weight and what you eat. The recommended average weight gain is between 25 to 30 pounds. Excess weight gain can make heartburn even worse.

2. Stay away from heartburn-trigger foods. Stay away from super spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, greasy foods and even too much citrus.

3. Wear loose clothes. Sometimes, looser flowing clothes is better during pregnancy. Tight clothes can cause restriction and can make heartburn feel worse if your breathing feels restricted.

4. Eat more small meals. Eat roughly six small meals a day instead of three big meals. This can help with not only heartburn, but also fatigue and bloating.

5. Stay upright for at least an hour after eating. Stay upright for a few hours after eating and avoid lying down. If you bend over, bend with your knees. You wouldn’t want that meal to turn back up.

Natural Ways to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy:

1. Almonds. Almonds are a great way to get calcium and are also ease your stomach.

2. Tablespoon of honey in a glass of milk. Milk will give you calcium and this tasty treat is an old folk remedy to help relieve heartburn.

Ask your doctor about medicine:

If your heartburn is really bad, ask your doctor about heartburn medicine. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. You’ll most likely be told to avoid medicines with sodium and sodium bicarbonate.

If you are experiencing heartburn and have anymore questions, call us today.

Call OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch for Comfort and Advice

If you or a loved one is experiencing heartburn while pregnant, don’t fret. This is a painful and common part of pregnancy. However, if you’re worried and if the heartburn is unbearable, give us a call. We are happy to talk to you about any of your treatment options while pregnant.