Heartburn And Indigestion During Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you will feel a wide range of symptoms. These are based on the development of the fetus in the womb, as well as the physical and metabolic changes in the body.

These changes do not affect all pregnant women in the same way – each pregnancy has its own unique symptoms.

But almost all pregnant women experience heartburn and indigestion. This irritating condition is characterized by a heavy or burning sensation after meals.

Heartburn and indigestion are common symptoms that can occur during all phases of pregnancy, although they are most common during the second and third trimesters.

What causes indigestion during pregnancy?

Indigestion during pregnancy has several causes, including diet and uterine growth.

Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy are another factor. Specifically, it is known that progesterone plays a major role in heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy.

In pregnant women, the placenta produces progesterone, which, among other things, causes the muscles in the uterus to relax and stretch. Unfortunately, this hormone has the same effect on the muscles in the stomach that separate the stomach from the esophagus.

This means that stomach acid can rise in the esophagus and there give rise to a burning sensation and what we call heartburn or acid reflux.

This hormone also reduces the rate of contraction in the digestive system, which slows down the digestive process. In combination with the growing child pressing against the stomach, this can lead to significant discomfort.

Relief for heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy

Although it is difficult to completely avoid it, there are some ways to alleviate or reduce its incidence.

• Avoid eating too much. During pregnancy, meals should be light. It is better to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day to satisfy your appetite and avoid indigestion.
• Be careful with certain foods. It is good to avoid very fatty or spicy foods, drinks that contain caffeine or tea and sweet desserts. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a good way to prevent indigestion during pregnancy.

• Take your time. Chew your food slowly before swallowing. This helps to facilitate digestion. Eating calmly at meals also helps.
• Drink water between meals. It is especially important to get enough water during pregnancy. But it is also possible to drink too much: an excess of fluid leads to swelling.
• Chew gum after meals. This stimulates your salivary glands. Saliva helps neutralize acid.
• Avoid eating just before bedtime. Wait an hour or two for better digestion. You can also try sleeping at an angle of about 45º. This position helps to avoid acid reflux and keeps the gastric juice in the stomach.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and avoid clothing that tightens around the waist and abdomen.
• Do not smoke. In addition to harming your health in general, and especially during pregnancy, smoking increases the amount of stomach acid.

• Avoid stress. Try to find peace and quiet and try mild physical activity or breathing exercises. This will not only help relieve the burning sensation, but will also help you feel better on the whole.

What you can do if your indigestion does not go away

If you have tried all these tips and your discomfort does not get better, there are some natural home remedies that can relieve many symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids is a good start.

Another home remedy is to swallow a teaspoon of olive oil on an empty stomach. This helps absorb fatty acids.

As long as you consume it in moderation, milk and yogurt can also help soothe your symptoms. However, some women are sensitive to dairy products and may find that this worsens their symptoms.

If nothing works, talk to your doctor and ask about specific medication. Antacids act quickly, but they can also have unpleasant side effects.

Remember that all medicines you take must be prescribed by a doctor as they can affect your health and your child’s development.