When will heartburn go away during pregnancy? When does heartburn occur in early pregnancy?

At different stages of pregnancy, three out of four expectant mothers suffer from heartburn. Moreover, heartburn can appear even if it has never happened before! Where does heartburn come from?

An unpleasant, sharp, sour taste in the mouth, a burning sensation in the throat or in the pit of the stomach - that’s all it is. The essence of heartburn is that the contents of the stomach (where, as you know, food is digested with acid) are thrown back into the esophagus. And the mucous membrane of the esophagus suffers from the effects of acid.

Heartburn usually occurs immediately after eating or while lying down, is most severe in the second half of pregnancy and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Cause of heartburn during pregnancy

Why does heartburn become a frequent guest in pregnant women? The main cause of heartburn during pregnancy is hormonal changes in the body. The esophagus and stomach are separated by a special muscle - the sphincter, which normally prevents food from returning back. But during pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone increases in the body.

Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, which is necessary in order to reduce the excitability of the uterus with the fetus resting in it. But in addition to the uterus, other smooth muscle organs also relax, including the sphincter from the stomach to the esophagus.

Moreover, as pregnancy progresses, the uterus becomes larger and larger, crowding the intestines, supporting the diaphragm and stomach, so that additional conditions are created for the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Under the influence of hormones, the acidity of gastric juice can also increase, which intensifies the burning sensation. For many pregnant women, heartburn literally deprives them of sleep.

Comforting news for those who suffer from heartburn right now: this unpleasant, but not too dangerous, ailment in itself has no effect on the course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. There are many ways, if not to get rid of heartburn completely, then at least to alleviate it, and we will tell you about these methods.

Even if they do not help 100%, the fact that in the last month of pregnancy heartburn usually becomes much weaker can be comforting for expectant mothers. The fact is that at this time the body’s production of progesterone decreases. And for good reason: this happens so that the uterus can prepare for labor contractions, and the stomach itself, as the baby’s head drops, usually moves down, reducing pressure on the stomach. And childbirth will almost certainly be a long-awaited relief from heartburn in pregnant women!

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy

Now that we know the causes of heartburn during pregnancy, we can clean out the factors that increase it and minimize them

• It is advisable not to take antispasmodics - they further relax the muscles of the internal organs. Therefore, if you have to take this kind of medication from time to time, it is better to immediately tell your doctor that you are suffering from heartburn and ask, if possible, to choose a different treatment.
• Considering that heartburn is provoked by a compressed state of the stomach, try not to put even more pressure on it. It is better to get rid of things that tighten your stomach and waist. Try not to bend over again, try instead just squatting, bending your knees. And after eating, it’s better not to lie down for at least half an hour, because moving to a horizontal position also provokes the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.
• There is also a theory that heartburn in pregnant women may develop as a food rejection reaction, which has a potentially harmful effect on the baby growing in the belly. Whether this is true or not, it is quite reliably known that heartburn is aggravated by foods that cause the stomach to produce more acid than the average level. Therefore, if the burning sensation bothers you too much, exclude coffee, sour and carbonated drinks, spicy pickled dishes and spices from your menu.
• The same applies to all sour vegetables (especially tomatoes), berries and fruits, as well as various fermented milk products (except hard cheese). Also observe your own reaction to the following food (it also leads to increased acidity, but not for everyone): fresh bread and any yeast products; fatty meats and fish; eggs. Hard-boiled; fried food; food that is too hot or cold. And of course, try not to overeat at night, when you are expected to spend a lot of time lying down.

Remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Often, pregnant women exhausted by heartburn begin to take medications. Of course, before taking it, you should definitely consult a doctor who will help you choose harmless enveloping and astringent agents.

You need to be very careful when taking antacids - they neutralize acid, but the acidity of gastric juices is different for everyone, only special tests can accurately determine it. Therefore, the best option would still be diet.

• If you have not yet switched to fractional meals, it’s time to do so due to the appearance of heartburn. You need to eat in small portions, five to seven times a day, the last time three hours before going to bed.
• You can drink milk in small portions throughout the day. Aromatherapists advise adding a drop of fennel essential oil to it (attention, the oil must be natural, synthetic cheap oils can only do harm!).
• As an enveloping and soothing remedy for the stomach, you can also drink various jelly or, in small quantities, freshly prepared potato juice.
• Many pregnant women have noticed that heartburn subsides or is much less painful if they chew oatmeal, hazelnuts, almonds, or grated carrots during the day.
• Ginger often helps - you can add it when cooking in powder form, or buy fresh ginger root and cut small pieces from it to chew.
• Do not forget that if you have heartburn, it is better to sleep on your back. And so that the upper body is raised with pillows. If you really want to turn on your side, keep in mind that depending on the curve of your stomach, heartburn is always felt stronger on one side than on the other.
• Finally, this principle, which is useful for pregnancy in general, helps with heartburn: less stress and tension, more rest and relaxation!

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Almost all women who are expecting the birth of a baby experience such an unpleasant phenomenon as heartburn. Heartburn during pregnancy is so common that it is almost one of the first signs of pregnancy in the early stages. And although it is safe for the fetus, it causes a lot of inconvenience for the expectant mother.

Heartburn: what is it?

Heartburn occurs due to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and is felt as a burning sensation or even pain either behind the sternum or “in the pit of the stomach.” Its manifestations are so unpleasant that they deprive the pregnant woman of peace and sleep, as a result of which heartburn only intensifies, and stress worsens, which affects the psycho-emotional state of the woman and the course of pregnancy.

What are the causes of heartburn during pregnancy?

Firstly, heartburn during pregnancy is a reflection of powerful hormonal changes in the body. The blood level of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, which is designed to relax the muscles of the uterus to avoid miscarriage, increases sharply. However, the relaxing effect of progesterone also extends to other smooth muscle fibers located in hollow organs (intestines, stomach, esophagus). Between the stomach and the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach contents from leaking into the esophagus. But progesterone relaxes the “barrier” and gastric contents enter the esophagus, irritating its delicate mucous membrane with acid.

Schematic representation of the cause of heartburn Secondly, the cause of heartburn during pregnancy, starting from the second trimester, can be the uterus, which significantly increases in volume and “props up” the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, including the stomach. As a result of this compression, the stomach, like an overfilled bottle, splashes its contents into the esophagus.

Thirdly, pregnant women often suffer from constipation, since as a result of the action of the same progesterone, food gruel lingers in the intestines for a long time, and in order for it to leave it, the pregnant woman has to push, which leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. As a result, the stomach throws its contents into the esophagus.

Fourthly, sudden movements, bends, and turns of the body cause the stomach to change its location in the abdominal cavity and splash its contents into the innocent esophagus.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy?

What should a pregnant woman do if she has heartburn? Quite simple recommendations will help you cope with unpleasant sensations, first of all, following a certain diet and daily routine.

Diet for heartburn in expectant mothers

This is not only a way to eliminate an unpleasant phenomenon, but also to ensure healthy and nutritious nutrition for the pregnant woman.

Basic principles of proper nutrition:

• Fractional meals
  You should eat food often, up to 5–6 times a day, but the portions themselves should be small, sufficient only to satiate you. Eating a small amount of food will allow the stomach to “work in a calm environment,” which promotes successful digestion and prevents the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, and, consequently, the development of heartburn. Overeating not only inhibits the digestion process, but also causes a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the epigastric region, heartburn and can cause colitis/enteritis (belching, bloating, flatulence) and problems with the biliary tract.
• Dinner time
  The last meal should be no later than 3 hours before bedtime. Firstly, in a state of rest, all muscles relax and the sphincter of the esophagus, too, which will lead to heartburn during sleep, and, secondly, eating enough at night is harmful, it overloads the digestive tract and causes a lot of additional problems.
• Food temperature
  It is advisable to eat food warm; too hot or cold food provokes stomach spasms and reflux of its contents into the esophagus. Food should be at room temperature.
• Food processing
  The diet against heartburn should be gentle. This concept includes mechanical processing of food and methods of its preparation. It is recommended to eat pureed dishes and porridges with milk, soups - purees, soufflés and pates. Pureed food coats the gastric mucosa well, preventing the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid, and is also absorbed faster, preventing not only heartburn, but also other dyspeptic symptoms.

  When preparing dishes, you should give preference to food that has been steamed, boiled or baked (but without crust). Stewing foods is allowed. It is advisable to bake all fruits, especially sour ones, that is, those that provoke heartburn (for example, apples). Fried foods are not allowed, as they take a long time to digest and, accordingly, provoke heartburn and other digestive disorders. You should also avoid consuming liquids during meals - this is an important condition.

• Vegetable fats
  If possible, the expectant mother should replace animal fats with vegetable fats. First of all, vegetable oils contain a large amount of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and is necessary in large quantities during gestation. In addition, vegetable oil is evenly distributed over the walls of the stomach, neutralizing gastric juice, preventing the development of heartburn. For example, eating sunflower seeds or nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds) will make heartburn go away due to the vegetable oils they contain. Consumption of butter is allowed, but in small quantities.
• Drinking regime
  The amount of liquid you drink should be sufficient - up to 2 liters per day. Milk is a good remedy for heartburn during pregnancy; it neutralizes hydrochloric acid (it is better to drink warm milk with honey). Coffee and tea should be replaced with decoctions of medicinal herbs, compotes and diluted (1/1) juices. But you should not drink too much. You are allowed to drink no more than 1 glass of liquid at a time.
• Salt
  The amount of table salt in a pregnant woman's diet should be limited. Firstly, salt retains fluid in the body, thereby causing edema. And, secondly, over-salted food irritates the gastric mucosa, stimulates the release of gastric juice and contributes to heartburn.
• Food diary
  Recording in a notebook all the dishes and products eaten during the day, as well as the sensations when eating this or that food, will help you decide on the most suitable set of products, the consumption of which does not cause discomfort.

You can get rid of heartburn at home by using honeycombs with honey as an antacid. For heartburn in early pregnancy, potato juice and grated carrots help well.

Kissels, jelly, and aspic contain starch and pectins, which not only coat the gastric mucosa, but also have a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effect. A pregnant woman's diet should include salads made from fresh vegetables seasoned with vegetable oil. Eating fresh cucumbers has a very beneficial effect on heartburn. Decoctions of medicinal herbs (mint, chamomile, St. John's wort, rosemary or plantain) also help with heartburn. Pregnant women should always have a bottle of alkaline mineral water with them.

Authorized products:

Prohibited products:

• various marinades and pickles;
• smoked meats;
• refractory fats (lard);
• hot and spicy dishes;
• fried and fatty foods;
• hard-boiled eggs and scrambled eggs;
• sour vegetables and fruits (citrus fruits, currants, gooseberries, grapes, tomatoes, cabbage);
• vegetables with a bitter taste (radish, radish, daikon);
• fresh pastries (pancakes, pies, pancakes) and bread;
• coffee and strong tea, cola, sweet carbonated drinks;
• products with cream, chocolate;
• vinegar, horseradish, ketchup, pepper and various seasonings;
• legumes and white cabbage (flatulence will also be added to heartburn);
• sauerkraut;
• baked goods;
• semi-finished products and fast food;
• sour juices (from cranberries, oranges, tomatoes);
• ice cream;
• minced meat, offal;
• high-fat dairy products (cottage cheese, milk and kefir, spicy cheeses);
• alcohol;
• fatty meats and fish.

ethnoscience

To this day, folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy are widely used in our country:

• Yarrow (herb)
  Pour half a liter of boiling water 20 g. dry raw materials and leave for 2 hours. Strain the infusion and drink a tablespoon before meals.
• Flax seeds
  Pour 1 tablespoon of flaxseed into a glass of boiling water and leave for 6 – 8 hours in a thermos. Take a tablespoon before meals.
• St. John's wort
  Pour one tablespoon of dry raw material into a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat for about 5 - 7 minutes. Strain the broth and drink 2 tablespoons three times a day.
• Heather
  Pour a tablespoon of dry raw material into half a liter of water and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Leave the broth for 2 hours, strain and take 1 tablespoon before meals.
• centaury
  Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of dry raw materials and leave for 4 hours. Strain the infusion and take three times a day before meals.

Soda for heartburn during pregnancy. Under no circumstances should you resort to such a proven folk remedy as a glass of water with soda! Firstly, soda will only relieve the unpleasant sensation for minutes, but will cause a powerful release of hydrochloric acid, which will only worsen heartburn. And, secondly, during the chemical reaction of hydrochloric acid + sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide is formed, which will rush out of the stomach and cause belching (also an unpleasant sensation). In addition, sodium bicarbonate is very quickly absorbed into the blood, which causes alkalization of the internal environment of the body (alkalosis), and when excreted in the urine, it contributes to the formation of kidney stones. And to all of the above, soda retains fluid in the body, which causes or aggravates swelling.

Healthy lifestyle

If the expectant mother has not yet given up such a bad habit as smoking, it is necessary to do this immediately. Stress negatively affects the course of pregnancy, and, above all, aggravates heartburn, so you should strive to create a calm environment in your environment, avoid conflicts and negative emotions. Pregnant women should not forget about walks in forested areas, especially after meals. In general, after eating, you should not immediately take a horizontal position; you should walk around for at least 20 minutes. If heartburn occurs at night, you need to elevate your head with an additional pillow. Clothes should not restrict movement and should be loose.

We follow the movements. It is necessary to exclude all sharp tilts and turns. Housework that requires just such “exercises” should fall on the shoulders of another family member.

Drug treatment

What else helps against heartburn during pregnancy if diet and other recommendations are not effective? In such cases, antacids are indispensable, neutralizing hydrochloric acid and reducing acidity in the stomach. But before resorting to medications for heartburn during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor, since not all of them are allowed during this period of a woman’s life. For example, Vicalin contains bismuth nitate, which is dangerous to the fetus.

Antacids allowed during pregnancy - heartburn medications

Anti-heartburn medications for pregnant women should have a number of properties:

• fast and long-lasting action;
• the ability to concentrate bile components and pepsin on their molecules;
• the ratio of aluminum and magnesium should be optimal;
• do not cause gas formation;
• no “cancellation” effect;
• low dosage;
• low likelihood of side effects;
• not absorbed into the blood and quickly eliminated from the body.

Antacids allowed for pregnant women:

• Almagel (Maalox or Gastal)
  The medicine contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. The duration of action is from 30 to 90 minutes, the effect is noticeable immediately after administration. Side effects include constipation, and with long-term use, nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to take 30 minutes before meals, no more than three days.
• Smecta
  Herbal preparation. Relieves heartburn and bloating (absorbs toxins and gases from the intestines). It extremely rarely causes allergic reactions (rash and itching). Use after meals (the contents of the sachet are diluted in a glass of water).
• Rennie
  The drug contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. It has a quick effect, within 5 – 7 minutes. Available in chewable tablets with flavorings (mint, orange). In case of heartburn, it is recommended to chew the tablet; you can take the drug again after 2 hours. Long-term use increases calcium levels in the blood, which can trigger premature birth. Allergic reactions are possible (urticaria, Quincke's edema).
• Ranitidine
  The drug is prescribed to expectant mothers only during exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease. The drug is highly effective against heartburn.
• Gestid
  Combined antacid approved for use during pregnancy. Contains magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Available in chewable tablets. It relieves heartburn perfectly, is well tolerated, and has a minimum of side effects (constipation).

If all of the above measures do not help get rid of heartburn, this should be reported to the obstetrician-gynecologist monitoring the pregnancy. There may be another underlying cause of heartburn that is not related to pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a joy for many women. But a lot of difficulties await at this time. For example, one of the most unpleasant is heartburn.

It can appear both in the early stages and in later stages. Heartburn during pregnancy, what to do?

What is better during this period – to take medications or traditional methods of treatment. There are many options for resolving the issue, but which one should you choose?

Who is at risk

Many women believe that if before pregnancy they did not experience discomfort due to heartburn, then during this period they are insured against the occurrence of this condition.

In fact, this is not true. In some cases, symptoms of heartburn in pregnant women can occur at different stages of pregnancy. Almost none of the women managed to escape this evil fate.

In the early stages of pregnancy, severe heartburn may appear periodically.

This disorder occurs due to poor nutrition, nervous stress, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, lifestyle or physical fatigue.

At later stages, the fetus puts pressure on the stomach, which causes valve failure, which subsequently holds food very poorly. Because of this, food that enters the stomach is thrown back into the esophagus along with hydrochloric acid.

A significant disadvantage is that taking medications at this time is quite difficult and dangerous for the baby’s health.

Will traditional methods of treatment help as much as necessary?

Causes

What reasons can lead to the occurrence of such a symptom as heartburn during pregnancy? The main reason for the appearance is increased acidity of gastric juice.

In this regard, an inflammatory process occurs and a problem with the valve, which is located between the esophagus and the stomach. The walls of the esophagus are not designed to allow hydrochloric acid to remain in this area.

In this case, it causes burns in the esophagus, and ulcers gradually appear on the walls of the stomach.

• Due to increased pressure on the stomach.
• Weakening of the muscle that lies between the stomach and esophagus. Due to a heavy meal, a feast, or physical exercise after a meal, hydrochloric acid, along with crushed pieces of food, is thrown back into the esophagus.

Why does heartburn occur in early pregnancy?

During pregnancy, all forces in the body are aimed at ensuring that the fetus develops systematically and receives everything it needs for good functioning.

In this case, the entire body comes into play, including the endocrine system. There is an increase in the production of all hormones, including prolactin, progesterone and oxytocin.

Prolactin is produced in the anterior region of the brain. This hormone is necessary to prepare a woman’s body for breastfeeding.

During this period, the mammary glands enlarge, colostrum begins to be produced, and then, after the birth of the child, milk is produced in the breast.

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries. It helps to weaken the walls of the uterus so that the fetus attaches to its walls. As the baby grows, the walls of the uterus become smoother.

But the body cannot act on just one muscle. In parallel, progesterone also influences the muscles of the digestive tract, which helps relax the valve that is located between the esophagus and the stomach.

Oxytocin is necessary for a sharp contraction of muscle tissue. It is necessary for contractions to begin on time. This hormone also helps move milk from the milk ducts.

Hormones are necessary for the child during pregnancy, but their excessive amounts are bad for the health of the mother.

This applies to the functioning of the organs of the digestive system, which also consists of muscle tissue.

Gradually, changes are reflected in the functioning of the digestive tract. Constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and belching occur.

If discomfort and symptoms of dysfunction of the digestive tract organs accompany a woman very often during pregnancy, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Severe heartburn can also appear in the second trimester. For example, these symptoms occur because the size of the uterus continues to gradually increase. There is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

Manifestations of heartburn intensify after physical activity, sudden exertion, as well as bending forward. Overeating does not have the best effect on the health of a pregnant woman.

Heartburn in the 3rd trimester

The fruit size is quite large. In this regard, a change occurs in the location of internal organs. During this period of pregnancy, severe heartburn occurs in almost all women.

It appears very often and does not stop almost until the period of childbirth. Changes occur a few days before the baby arrives.

Heartburn occurs during pregnancy due to changes in the woman’s body.

In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbations may occur.

For example, this applies to diseases such as gastritis, gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis, stomach or duodenal ulcers.

This is especially true for women who love salty, sour and fatty foods.

But it should be taken into account that during pregnancy a woman’s taste preferences can change dramatically. Additionally, nausea and vomiting may often occur.

What to do if you have heartburn

Heartburn is not a fatal condition, but it can cause discomfort for the health of the expectant mother and her baby.

Depending on how intense the heartburn is, measures need to be taken. In the early stages, proper nutrition, exercise, and avoidance of foods that are not individually suitable can help.

You can eliminate the chance of such a disorder as heartburn in a pregnant woman if you do everything in moderation. Any liberties can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive tract.

Proper nutrition

The quality, quantity and timing of food consumption are important. The uterus increases in size and puts pressure on the internal organs. The stomach moves up.

In this regard, the amount of food you consume at a time should not exceed a glass.

If you take more food at one time, your stomach will not be able to cope with the load. But in this case, you need to eat much more often. For example, every 3 hours.

It is important to distribute which foods should be consumed and at what time. For example, complex carbohydrates should be taken in the morning.

These include flour products, pasta, vegetables, cereals, and fruits.

Lunch is the ideal time to eat protein and add some carbohydrates. For example, fish, eggs, meat, cottage cheese, vegetables.

In the evening you need to unload your body. Salad and fish are suitable for this.

You need to eat a few hours before bedtime. If, nevertheless, a woman cannot sleep due to the fact that she does not have enough food, then before going to bed you can drink a glass of kefir or yogurt (without flavoring additives).

Food must be chewed thoroughly. Before entering the stomach, it must turn into mush.

After eating food, you should not do intense exercise or take a horizontal position. In this case, it is best to take a short walk in the fresh air.

What to eat

It is necessary to eat not only at a certain time, but also the right food. The less a woman consumes forbidden foods during pregnancy, the fewer gastrointestinal problems she will have.

You can help your intestines cleanse in a timely manner with the help of fiber. Additionally, it helps control the amount of glucose that is in the blood.

You can avoid heartburn if you avoid foods that can increase the acidity of gastric juice.

These include kiwi, sour berries and fruits, any citrus fruits, and flour products. As well as tomatoes in any form, coffee and chocolate. Sometimes exceptions can be made, but they should be extremely rare.

Water and heartburn

It is an important component for maintaining normal acidity in the body. You should drink enough water per day, taking into account your body weight.

It is good to give preference to non-carbonated mineral water. Especially if it is also alkaline. But in this case, you need to consult a doctor about the inflammatory process in the kidneys.

If swelling, chronic or acute pyelonephritis is observed, this can harm the woman’s body.

You need to drink water per day in the proportion of 30 grams per 1 kg of body weight.

Excess weight and the fight against heartburn

The higher your body weight during pregnancy, the greater your risk of heartburn. During pregnancy, many women find it very difficult to limit themselves in food.

It is necessary to monitor weight gain and volume during pregnancy.

The measurement takes place at every visit to the gynecologist, so the expectant mother can determine when it is time to urgently lose weight or gain weight.

Emergency relief for heartburn

The simplest, most common and long-standing way to combat heartburn is to drink soda. This has long been considered an ancient age and this product is abandoned not only during pregnancy, but also at other times.

The first drawback of this product is that baking soda increases acidity levels. This product is absorbed into the blood, thus oxidizing the body.

The risk of problems from drinking soda also increases due to the fact that the protective lining of the stomach is disrupted and damaged.

There is a predisposition to the appearance of stomach or duodenal ulcers.

You can replace this treatment with alkaline water, which is sold in stores, supermarkets or pharmacies. But there is one very important nuance: the water must be still.

Other methods to quickly combat heartburn:

• Take freshly squeezed potato juice. It must be consumed a few minutes after preparation. This should be done in small quantities. Dosage – 1 glass per day.
• 1 glass of goat milk helps well during pregnancy to eliminate heartburn. It should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.
• It is advisable to carry sunflower seeds with you at all times. If this discomfort occurs, you can chew a few grains.
• Eating oatmeal jelly is ideal. You should drink 0.5 glass when a burning sensation appears behind the sternum. To prevent the occurrence of this condition, you should eat oatmeal for breakfast in the morning, possibly with the addition of milk and honey.
• Consuming honey helps relieve heartburn symptoms. To do this, you need to drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of honey in the morning an hour after the woman wakes up.
• It is always good for a woman to carry almonds with her during pregnancy. For example, it can be replaced with forest or walnuts. But in a certain quantity. Otherwise, nuts will lead to excess weight.

Medicines to relieve heartburn

During pregnancy, heartburn can be eliminated using conventional treatment methods. First of all, this is a change in the usual way of life.

It is necessary to eat right, monitor your weight and eliminate the causes that can lead to heartburn.

But it is necessary to use other methods of treating heartburn during pregnancy at a later date. In this case, it is best to consult your doctor.

There is a mistake that most women repeat during pregnancy when heartburn occurs. For example, this could be taking antispasmodic drugs.

There is an even greater relaxation of muscle tissue, in addition, there is a risk of miscarriage, and the symptoms of heartburn also worsen several times.

The best and most popular drug is Rennie. It helps normalize the acidity level of gastric juice.

You can take these tablets even on the go. Because you can drink them without drinking water.

Another advantage of Rennie is that it does not contain aluminum salts, which cause constipation. You can take this drug starting from the first months of pregnancy.

The most common medications that help prevent the occurrence of a disease such as heartburn are called antacids. They are necessary to normalize acidity levels.

But you need to be extremely careful and pay attention that such drugs should not be absorbed into the blood. For example, Maalox, Almagel.

Activated charcoal for heartburn

This medication helps relieve heartburn. It is considered absolutely harmless. It helps remove unnecessary toxins from the body.

But there is still a “minus”: it can remove essential microelements from the body.

After treating heartburn with activated charcoal, it is necessary to replenish the body with the necessary bacteria.

To do this, you should take yoghurts, which contain a large number of lactobacilli, for 6 months. They help normalize the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is forbidden to take activated charcoal if you have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation or a predisposition to bleeding of internal organs.

Helper Products

Carrot. It is advisable to take it raw. It is advisable to first grind it on a grater. You can make your own salad and add extra green apples without peeling.

Honey. It is necessary to dilute 1 tablespoon of honey without a slide. Take 1 teaspoon before each meal. It will effectively help deal with the problem.

Peas. It is advisable to carry either pumpkin seeds or peas with you at all times. During attacks of heartburn, you need to chew several peas.

Foods that can cause heartburn

1. All kinds of spices and spices.
2. Crackers, chips, fast food.
3. Sugar and sweet pastries.
4. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines and others).

What to do if heartburn does not go away

If none of the above remedies help eliminate heartburn, then this may be a harbinger of the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, it is necessary to remember that a burning sensation behind the sternum may indicate the presence of other diseases. For example, it could be heart pain, respiratory diseases, neuralgia.

Useful video

Heartburn is a disease in which the contents of the stomach, along with hydrochloric acid, are thrown into the esophagus, and sometimes into the oral cavity.

It happens in most cases after eating. There may be symptoms such as burning pain behind the sternum and in the pit of the stomach, and a sour taste in the mouth.

Heartburn occurs in every second woman during pregnancy. In some pregnant women it appears in the first trimester, in others later.

The situation is aggravated by the intake of certain dishes, as well as the amount of food eaten. Heartburn causes 8 out of 10 pregnant women to gradually experience sleep and eating problems.

Reasons for appearance

Why does heartburn occur during pregnancy? It appears due to the fact that the lower esophageal sphincter does not function fully and the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus.

Due to the fact that hydrochloric acid is needed to digest food, irritation of the mucous membrane and painful sensations occur.

A sour taste appears in the oral cavity, and painful sensations appear in the stomach area. During pregnancy, it can appear at different times: both during the initial stages of pregnancy and at the end.

But the most manifestations occur just before birth. Sometimes even in pregnant women, a burning sensation causes insomnia.

Causes:

1. During pregnancy, a significant release of the hormone progesterone occurs. Initially, this hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum, and a little later by the placenta. Another name is “Pregnancy Hormone”. What is it for? During pregnancy, this hormone helps maintain the smooth muscles of the uterus. But the “minus” of the hormone is that progesterone acts in the same way on other muscles, for example, the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
   Between the stomach and the esophagus there is a sphincter, which must close after food enters the stomach. It functions at the subconscious level, and it is impossible to consciously control its work. During pregnancy, progesterone helps relax muscle tissue, and the sphincter does not close the passage completely. Because of this, unprocessed foods return to the stomach along with hydrochloric acid.
2. Weight gain. If during pregnancy a woman has gained several extra pounds, then in this case it not only overloads the spine, joints, heart, but also causes an increase in blood pressure in the abdominal cavity, and this is the reason for the appearance.
3. Mechanical compression. The larger the fetus during pregnancy, the more pressure it puts on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchopulmonary system and pelvic organs. The location of all internal organs changes. Due to compression of the stomach, food and hydrochloric acid are thrown back into the esophagus.
4. The acidity of gastric juice increases due to the influence of hormones and heartburn intensifies.

Heartburn in pregnant women may occur less in the last month of pregnancy. At this time, the body reduces hormone production in preparation for childbirth.

The abdomen goes down and the pressure on the internal organs decreases.

But by following a number of simple rules and using traditional medicine, heartburn can be reduced at an earlier date.

Symptoms

During pregnancy, many diseases get worse. If before pregnancy a woman was regularly “tormented” by heartburn, then during the enlargement of the fetus the attacks of the disease will only become stronger.

In the first three months of pregnancy, heartburn is very rare. The exception is chronic illness.

The uterus is not particularly enlarged in size, the organs are in the required order, their location does not change. Vomiting and nausea may occur at this time, but heartburn occurs much later.

Most women during pregnancy report a burning sensation from the 20th week.

In the last three months of pregnancy, heartburn appears in almost every woman in varying intensity. The uterus has significantly increased in size, putting pressure on the diaphragm and stomach.

Relief occurs before childbirth, when the stomach drops down. Relief appears, heartburn disappears completely or is significantly reduced.

Harm from heartburn during pregnancy

The presence of heartburn during pregnancy does not in any way affect the development of the fetus. But there are a number of effects on the body that can cause a woman to experience discomfort.

If heartburn attacks occur frequently, this is the reason for refusing to eat or reducing portions.

You can reduce the acidity in the stomach by completely avoiding fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables.

But the “minus” is that these products are vital for a woman’s health, especially during pregnancy. During pregnancy, both mother and baby need vitamins.

The appearance of heartburn also causes psychological discomfort, forces you to change your usual lifestyle, causes insomnia, increases the amount of stress hormone in the blood and causes uterine hypertonicity. This may cause premature birth.

Treatment

Why do pregnant women have heartburn and how to treat it? How can you eliminate the symptoms? Moreover, the use of pills can negatively affect the baby’s health.

When taking any medications, you should consult your doctor. The use of traditional medicine helps a lot. It is also necessary to follow a dietary diet.

In some cases, with heartburn, even if it is severe, taking traditional recipes along with a diet helps a lot.

Medications suitable for treating heartburn include drugs called “non-absorbable antacids.”

They are able to absorb hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which coats the walls of the stomach, and help quickly eliminate the attack.

For example, these could be drugs such as Almagel, Taltsid, Maalox. But taking other medications in addition is not recommended.

A side effect of taking these medications is constipation. The best drugs in this sense have proven to be drugs such as Rennie. They not only eliminate heartburn, but also help cope with nausea.

Why do most women refuse to take pills? Precisely because of the side effects. In this case, if heartburn is tormenting, then it is necessary to use traditional medicine methods.

Many expectant mothers prefer to drink soda. But this is not recommended. Soda promotes the release of carbonic acid, which provokes a repeated attack in a short time.

In addition, soda leads to disruption of the acid-base balance and the appearance of edema.

You can additionally use folk recipes. To do this, you will need 1 teaspoon of heather and pour 2 glasses of hot water.

Place on low heat and simmer for a few minutes. Take 100 grams before each meal.

Prolonged severe heartburn will stop if you consume a small amount of calamus root turned into powder.

You can also take half a teaspoon of centaury herb. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. Pour hot boiled water over the herb into glasses and place in a dark, warm place.

The presence of heartburn cannot harm the child, but if this symptom is constant, then there is no need to endure it. If possible, it is necessary to do without medications.

Pumpkin seeds, almonds, carrots, milk, and regular chewing gum are good for quickly coping with heartburn.

Rules for eliminating the disease

1. Control your weight. Extra pounds make the situation worse. It is necessary to control the amount of food eaten.
2. Food must be chewed thoroughly. This will help relieve your stomach.
3. Add alkaline foods to your diet: Boiled poultry, vegetable oil, milk, white bread croutons.
4. Dinner should be light and take place no later than three hours before bedtime.
5. It is forbidden to lie down immediately after eating. It is advisable to walk around for a while or, in extreme cases, sit.
6. It is important to watch your posture. Slouching will increase the load on the stomach and thus heartburn can be avoided.
7. Clothes should be loose-fitting so as not to compress the abdominal organs.
8. When this symptom appears, you should always carry pumpkin seeds with you.

The expectant mother must remember one thing: that heartburn will not harm the health of her baby. Symptoms can be eliminated at home or with the help of medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Useful video

— every second pregnant woman has to deal with it. Most often it appears after the 20th week of pregnancy and remains until the birth of the child. One of the risk factors is the quantity and quality of food eaten. Therefore, the New Year holidays with parties at work and feasts at home may well provoke heartburn. What can you do to prevent or alleviate these sensations?

What is heartburn? Why does it occur in pregnant women?

Heartburn- a feeling of warmth or burning behind the sternum, which occurs some time after eating. Most often, heartburn appears in the evening. According to popular belief, it bothers the expectant mother when the baby's hair grows. In fact Heartburn occurs due to the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the lower parts of the esophagus. This happens because during pregnancy, the muscular sphincter located between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes under the influence of the hormone progesterone. Another cause of heartburn is that the enlarged uterus puts pressure on neighboring organs: the stomach, intestines. As a result, the volume of the stomach decreases, and even the usual amount of food can lead to its overflow and reflux of food back into the esophagus.

Preventing heartburn during pregnancy

• Eliminate or reduce fatty, fried foods and chocolate in your diet, as these foods provoke additional relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
• Eat small meals: 5-6 times a day at intervals of 1.5-2 hours and in small portions. Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
• Heartburn usually occurs in the first two hours after eating, so try not to lie down immediately after eating.
• Try sleeping on a bed with your head elevated (you can add another pillow).

Despite the fact that heartburn is quite unpleasant for the mother, it does not have any negative effect on the baby. Start your fight against heartburn with proper nutrition, and you may not need medications.

Home remedies for heartburn in pregnant women

You can also try using folk remedies for heartburn, the only important thing is that they are safe. For example, Milk helps with heartburn, just a few sips - and the unpleasant burning sensation goes away. Has the same effect grapefruit and carrot juice. You can get rid of heartburn with the help of various nuts(walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), but they rather prevent heartburn than eliminate the one that has already appeared. Ordinary products help someone cope with heartburn. seeds, but here, as with nuts, one must observe moderation. A few nuts or grains are great, but you shouldn’t eat kilos of them, they contain a lot of fat and are very high in calories.

Use with caution

It is advisable for the expectant mother, if possible, do not take antispasmodics unless necessary(drugs that relieve spasms of smooth muscles of internal organs), for example, No-shpu, Papaverine, as they relax the esophageal sphincter and thus contribute to heartburn. Some herbs, such as mint, have the same effect.

Baking soda is often used for heartburn. It really helps to relieve the unpleasant burning sensation very quickly, but at the same time it does not last long. In addition, when soda interacts with gastric juice, carbon dioxide is formed, which has a strong soda effect - as a result, new portions of hydrochloric acid are produced, and heartburn resumes. It should be borne in mind that the sodium contained in baking soda is absorbed in the intestines and can lead to the appearance of diarrhea, and this is completely undesirable for expectant mothers.

What can pregnant women do for heartburn? Safe medications

During pregnancy you can use the so-called antacids. These medicines contain salts and aluminum. They neutralize the acid that is part of the gastric juice, form a protective film on the wall of the stomach, and increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. Nowadays the most commonly used Maalox, Almagel, Rennie, Gaviscon. A side effect of some antacids is constipation (due to calcium or aluminum salts), and magnesium, on the contrary, has a laxative effect. Therefore, you should not use these drugs for a long time. When taking antacids, be aware that they may interfere with other medications. Therefore, some time should pass between taking antacids and other drugs.