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24-09-2024 Team Medicover woman-and-child

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Akhila Lalam, Gynecologist

Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn is a common problem many women face during pregnancy. It often feels like a burning sensation in the chest or throat and tends to get worse after eating or when lying down. It is generally not dangerous, but it can be pretty uncomfortable.

In this article, we’ll explore what causes heartburn during pregnancy and share some simple tips to help relieve it. Our goal is to help you manage this symptom so you can enjoy a more comfortable and happy pregnancy.

What is Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Heartburn during pregnancy is a common experience that causes a burning sensation in the chest. This happens when stomach acid moves up into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. It’s also known as acid reflux. One reason this occurs is because of a hormone called progesterone relaxes the valve that normally keeps stomach acid in place, making it easier for the acid to rise back up.

When Does It Start in Pregnancy?

Heartburn can start as early as the first trimester but is most commonly experienced during the second and third trimesters. As your baby grows and your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your stomach, which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn is very common during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Several changes during pregnancy contribute to this issue:

Hormonal changes: The hormone progesterone increases during pregnancy to relax muscles like the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES relaxes too much, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus.
Growing uterus: As the baby grows, the uterus expands and pushes upward on the stomach, increasing pressure and the likelihood of acid reflux.
Slower digestion: Pregnancy hormones can slow down the digestive process and cause food to sit in the stomach longer, which can lead to acid build-up.
Changes in eating habits: Cravings, frequent snacking or eating large meals may contribute to digestive discomfort and heartburn.
Lying down after eating: This common habit can worsen reflux, especially with a full stomach.

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How to Relieve Heartburn While Pregnant

Heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint, especially in the second and third trimesters. Hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the stomach can lead to acid reflux and discomfort. Several safe and effective strategies can help relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

Tips to relieve heartburn while pregnant:

Eat small, frequent meals: Large meals can increase stomach pressure and trigger acid reflux.
Avoid trigger foods: Stay away from spicy, greasy, acidic or fried foods that can worsen heartburn.
Don’t lie down after eating: Wait at least 1–2 hours before lying down or going to bed.
Elevate your head while sleeping: Use an extra pillow or wedge to keep stomach acid from rising during the night.
Chew food slowly and thoroughly: This helps in digestion and reduces the chances of reflux.
Stay hydrated: Drinking too much during meals can cause bloating and worsen symptoms.
Wear loose-fitting clothes: Tight clothing around your waist can put extra pressure on your stomach.
Try ginger or warm water with honey: Both are simple and natural remedies that may help soothe digestion.
Use doctor-approved antacids: Calcium-based antacids like Tums are often safe but should be taken under doctor guidance.

Always consult your doctor before starting any new remedy or medication during pregnancy.

Foods That Help With Heartburn in Pregnancy

Some foods can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce the discomfort of heartburn during pregnancy. These are gentle on the stomach and may naturally neutralise acid or support digestion.

Helpful foods include:

Bananas: Naturally low in acid and help coat the stomach lining.
Oatmeal: A fibre-rich and non-acidic breakfast that absorbs stomach acid.
Ginger: A small amount of fresh ginger or ginger tea can ease nausea and aid digestion.
Yoghurt: Soothes the stomach and contains probiotics that support gut health.
Leafy greens: Spinach and kale are alkaline and reduce acidity.
Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread and couscous are easy on the stomach and promote digestion.
Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe are less acidic and hydrating.
Almonds: Contain natural oils that may help calm stomach acid.

Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Heartburn

Natural remedies can offer quick relief from heartburn without medications, making them ideal during pregnancy. These approaches focus on lifestyle and simple at-home strategies.

Effective natural remedies include:

Eat smaller meals more often: Instead of having three big meals, try eating smaller amounts of food throughout the day. This helps keep your stomach from feeling too full.
Stay upright after eating: After you eat, try to stay sitting up for at least 1 to 2 hours. This can help your food digest better.
Sleep with head elevated: When you go to bed, use extra pillows or a wedge to raise your head. This can help stop acid from coming up while you sleep.
Chew slowly and thoroughly: Take your time when eating. Chewing slowly not only helps you enjoy your food more but also reduces the chance of swallowing too much air, which can cause discomfort.
Drink fluids between meals, not during: This reduces stomach distension while eating.
Wear loose-fitting clothes: Clothing that is tight around your waist can put pressure on your stomach. Opt for looser clothes to feel more comfortable.
Chew sugar-free gum: If you're looking for a way to help your stomach, chewing sugar-free gum can be helpful. It boosts saliva production, which can naturally balance stomach acid.
Sip warm water with honey: Drinking warm water with honey can help soothe your throat and reduce irritation.

Always check with your doctor before trying any new remedy during pregnancy.

Safe Antacids and OTC Medications for Heartburn in Pregnancy

While many women find relief through diet and lifestyle changes, some may need medications to manage persistent heartburn. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are generally considered safe during pregnancy—but always consult your doctor before use.

Heartburn medicine for pregnant women:

Calcium-based antacids: Like Tums (calcium carbonate), can neutralise acid and also provide calcium.
Magnesium-based antacids: Such as Maalox or Mylanta are generally safe when used occasionally.
H2 blockers: Like ranitidine (if available) or famotidine (Pepcid) reduce acid production and are often used under medical guidance.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Such as omeprazole (Prilosec) can be prescribed in severe cases, but long-term use should be monitored.

Avoid antacids with aluminium hydroxide or high sodium content, as they may cause constipation or affect blood pressure.

Foods to Avoid During Heartburn in Pregnancy

Some foods that cause heartburn and are best limited or avoided to keep you comfortable.

Here are common foods to avoid:

Spicy foods: Chillies, hot sauces and spicy curries can irritate the stomach lining and stimulate acid reflux.
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are highly acidic and may worsen heartburn.
Tomato-based products: Including pasta sauces, ketchup and tomato juice, which are acidic and reflux-inducing.
Fried and fatty foods: Such as chips, burgers and creamy dishes canslow digestion and increase the risk of acid backing up.
Caffeinated drinks: such as coffee, tea and cola relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to escape.
Carbonated beverages: like soda and sparkling water can cause bloating and increase stomach pressure.
Chocolate: It contains caffeine and fat, both of which can worsen acid reflux.
Peppermint: Though soothing for some, it can relax the muscles of the esophagus and make heartburn worse.

Avoiding these trigger foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage heartburn during pregnancy effectively.

Heartburn During the Third Trimester

In the third trimester, the growing baby pushes the stomach even higher, making reflux worse. Symptoms may be more frequent, especially at night. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and sleeping on your left side can help during this stage.

When to See a Doctor for Pregnancy Heartburn

You should see a doctor if:

Heartburn occurs more than twice a week.
You experience severe discomfort or chest pain.
You have difficulty swallowing.
Antacids no longer provide relief.

Your doctor may recommend additional medications or evaluate other causes of your symptoms.

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Conclusion

Heartburn during pregnancy is uncomfortable but manageable. With the right lifestyle changes, natural remedies and possibly safe medications, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms. It's always important to speak with your doctor before starting any new treatment, especially while you are pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heartburn can be an early sign of pregnancy due to hormonal changes that relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to rise. It’s a common symptom, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Some studies suggest a link between severe heartburn and babies being born with hair, but it’s not a guaranteed sign. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are more likely responsible for both symptoms.

Many antacids are safe during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor before taking any. Avoid antacids with high aluminum or aspirin content. Safer options often contain calcium carbonate or magnesium.

Hormones like progesterone relax the muscles of the esophagus and stomach, which can allow stomach acid to escape into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, not lying down immediately after eating, and elevating the head while sleeping can help reduce heartburn.

Drinks like cold milk, herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile), coconut water, and aloe vera juice can help soothe heartburn. Avoid citrus juices, carbonated drinks, and caffeine, as they may worsen the symptoms.

Yes, drinking a small amount of cold milk can provide temporary relief from heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. However, full-fat milk may worsen symptoms later, so opt for low-fat or skim milk instead.