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Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. Changes in your hormones and body shape can contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. A few dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent and relieve symptoms.
Heartburn is when you have a burning feeling in your chest. The uncomfortable sensation can move up your throat. You may also have a bitter or sour taste in the back of your throat. Though it’s called “heartburn,” it’s not related to your heart. It happens because of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid moves from your stomach up to your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquid and saliva to your stomach. A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) sits between the esophagus and stomach. It opens to allow food to pass, then closes so acid doesn’t travel back up your esophagus. But if the LES doesn’t close properly, the acid can move into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Why does heartburn happen during pregnancy?Heartburn is a common symptom that women experience during pregnancy. Changing hormones and shifts in body shape can lead to heartburn. What is acid reflux during pregnancy?People use the terms “heartburn” and “acid reflux” to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:
Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing. What does heartburn during pregnancy feel like?If you have heartburn, you may:
How common is heartburn during pregnancy?More than half of all pregnant women report severe heartburn, especially during the third trimester. It’s more common in people who have been pregnant before and those who had heartburn before pregnancy.
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy include:
Try these natural remedies for pregnancy heartburn relief:
Can I take over-the-counter antacids to relieve heartburn during pregnancy?Nonprescription heartburn relievers, such as Tums® or Maalox®, can help you feel better. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking antacids. They may contain high sodium levels, which can cause you to retain water. Some also have aluminum in them, which isn’t safe to consume during pregnancy. Your provider can recommend an antacid that’s safe during pregnancy.
You can take steps to reduce heartburn symptoms without hurting your baby. Dietary changes:
Other tips to avoid heartburn during pregnancy:
If heartburn isn’t going away, talk to your provider. They can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant. You should also call your provider if you:
Heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack. If you’ve never had heartburn before and you’re having chest pains, call your provider or head to the nearest ER. A note from Cleveland Clinic Heartburn during pregnancy is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester. You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms. Before you take antacids, be sure to check with your provider for the safest option to take during pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/29/2021. References
Heartburn and GERD symptoms are less severe when there is less acid in the stomach. That said, you need a certain amount of acid to properly digest food. Three types of medication can help create that balance. Oral antacids like aluminum and magnesium hydroxide (think Maalox or Mylanta) and calcium carbonate (like TUMS) neutralize acid already present in the stomach. Calcium carbonate has the added benefit of supplementing calcium intake during pregnancy. It’s safe to follow the directions on the package – there’s no need to change the dosage or schedule due to pregnancy. On the flip side, two types of medications actually reduce acid production before it can enter the stomach. H2-receptor antagonists (H2-blockers) reduce H2 histamine, which stimulates cells in the stomach to produce acid. Thus, less stomach acid is produced. Examples include ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), and famotidine (Pepcid). All of these are available over the counter and in generic forms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block an enzyme in stomach cells that’s needed to produce acid. These drugs are available over the counter but can take several days to provide maximum relief, so you might consider trying an antacid or H2 blocker first. Examples of PPIs include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec), as well as generic versions. Both brand name and generic are considered safe during pregnancy. Please note, because stomach acid is necessary for iron absorption, H2 blockers and PPIs can decrease the effectiveness of iron supplements. Talk to your doctor if this might be an issue for you. Related reading: 4 common pregnancy-related GI issues |