Tips for Coping with Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Obie Editorial Team
Heartburn or pyrosis is a common complaint during pregnancy. It is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Despite its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is so-called because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the valve between the stomach and the food pipe (esophagus) is unable to prevent the stomach acids from passing back into the esophagus.
Pregnancy increases the frequency of heartburn because the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax and open. In addition, progesterone also slows down the wavelike contractions of your esophagus and intestines, making digestion sluggish. This allows the stomach acid to pass into the esophagus and irritate the lining. Later in pregnancy heartburn and indigestion are more common because the growing uterus puts pressure on the intestines and the stomach. The pressure on the stomach may also push contents back up into the esophagus.
Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! The majority of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms to specific foods. Therefore, it is important that you manage your diet as a way to treat heartburn.
If these measures don't help, try over-the-counter antacids that contain magnesium or calcium, but check with your doctor first and stay away from those which contain aluminum or aspirin or are high in sodium.
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There is an old wives' tale that claims heartburn during pregnancy means the baby will have lots of hair. While there is little truth to this tale, many women still experience intense digestive issues (indegestion) while carrying baby.
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