Heartburn While Pregnant

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It has a lot to do with the esophagus, which is the tube that food goes down when you swallow it. The esophagus connects the throat to the stomach. On the way, it passes near the heart. Sometimes gastric acids flow back up from the stomach to the esophagus. This is called acid reflux, which can cause a burning feeling near the heart.

Causes

Heartburn happens a lot during the last 3 or 4 months of pregnancy. The growing uterus pushes the stomach upward. Food remains in the stomach longer. That’s caused by changes in hormones. So there are more acids to flow back up the esophagus. Gaining too much weight adds to the problem. So do worry and fatigue.

Things that cause heartburn in general are:

• Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, arthritis medicine, or cortisone. Don’t take ibuprofen and naproxen sodium when pregnant. In fact, don’t take any medicine unless your health care provider says it is okay.
• Eating too much and too fast
• Chocolate, garlic, onions, green pepper, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices or peppermint
• Lying down after a meal
• Wearing tight clothes
• Smoking after eating. Don’t smoke during pregnancy (or ever).
• Don’t drink more than one cup of regular coffee a day when you are pregnant.
• Alcohol. (Don’t drink during pregnancy.)
• Being overweight
• Swallowing air
• Stress
• Weak or faulty stomach valve
• Hiatal hernia. This is when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm.

Self-Care

• Avoid the things you know cause you heartburn.
• Sit straight or stand up and walk around whenever you can. Don’t bend over or lie down after eating. If you do, gastric acids can get into the esophagus. {Note: This is not a tip to follow if your health care provider says you must stay in bed.}
• If you have heartburn at night, raise your head with extra pillows.
• Wear slacks and skirts and maternity clothes that fit loosely. Go for comfort.
• Avoid wearing pantyhose.
• Eat several small meals through the day, not three large ones. Eat slowly.
• When you reach for something low, bend at the knees, not at the waist.
• Drink liquids in small amounts often through the day. Avoid drinking fluids with meals.