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Heartburn in pregnancy

 

Pregnant women can be particularly susceptible to heartburn. This is because the pregnancy hormones relax the valve at the entrance of the stomach, making it difficult for the valve to close properly and allowing acid to escape back up the esophagus. Heartburn can worsen as the pregnancy progresses because the growing baby exerts extra pressure on the stomach.

Sufferers experience a burning feeling in the lower chest, along with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It usually occurs after eating a big meal or whilst lying down. The feeling can last between a few minutes or a few hours.

Around half of all pregnant women will experience heartburn fairly frequently, but some women suffer with heartburn on a daily basis which can be painful and very annoying.

Heartburn during pregnancy can be exacerbated by the following:

  • Eating large meals shortly before bedtime

  • Certain foods (such as chocolate, fatty foods, tomato, citrus fruits, peppermint, coffee, alcohol or sugar) can weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter

  • Putting pressure on the stomach (through wearing tight clothes and heavy lifting)

  • Obesity

  • Smoking

  • Stress

 

Symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy †

  • A burning sensation in the chest

  • A burning feeling in the throat

  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

 

Natural remedies

  • Homeopathy has been traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn. Ask your practitioner or doctor for advice on how homeopathy can help you.∏

  • Touch therapy such as putting your hand over your stomach while breathing deeply in and out can be very comforting.

  • Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic heartburn and is safe for pregnant women.

  • Reiki can be helpful for many sufferers of chronic heartburn.

 

Other ways to help

  • Avoid foods and other things that you know give you heartburn such as spicy, fatty and citrus foods.

  • Avoid alcohol to relieve heartburn.

  • Avoiding caffeine and carbonated drinks will help heartburn during pregnancy.

  • Try to eat at least two or three hours before lying down or going to bed.

  • Stop smoking as this will improve your heartburn and the overall health of you and your baby.

  • Eat your food slowly and chew thoroughly to aid your digestion.

  • Try to raise your head on extra pillows at night or putting blocks under the head end of your bed.

  • Watch the portion sizes of your meals as the more you eat, the more stomach acid you produce. Instead, eat little and often to ease heartburn.

  • Avoid tight clothes and tight belts as this puts pressure on your stomach.

  • Eat foods that reduce the likelihood of getting heartburn such as baked potatoes, broccoli, green beans, peas, low fat or soy cheese and whole grain bread

  • Try eating licorice after a meal as many heartburn sufferers claim it really helps!

  • If you get heartburn during the day, try sitting in an upright chair and lean forward slightly, rather than laying down or lounging around.

 

† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.

∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.