How to Stop Heartburn During Pregnancy

For some women heartburn is a normal occurrence during pregnancy. Find out what it is, why it happens and how to relieve it below!

How do you know you have heart burn?

Heartburn is burning feeling in the chest and throat that can sometimes leave a sour or acidic taste in your mouth.

Why does this happen?

When you’re pregnant, there is an increased level of hormones in your body. When you eat, your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) stays tightly closed as not to release any of the stomach acids that may ride up to your esophagus or throat. When you’re pregnant, these increased hormones actually relaxes the LES when you least expect it causing heat burn.

What can you do to stop heart burn?

• Eat less foods that are known to cause heartburn such as citrus fruits/juice, tomato products, coffee, chocolate, mint products, vinegar, or spicy/fried foods.
• Sleep elevated – Using a couple of pillows to prop yourself up while you sleep can keep your stomach acids down.
• Eat Small Frequent Meals
• Eat more than three hours before sleeping.
• Drink lots of water!
• To alleviate the pain try an antacid – Antacids work to neutralize the acid that’s already in your stomach. Chewable antacids made from calcium carbonate work incredibly well. Antacids with magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are also safe to have while pregnant. These can be taken in liquid or pill form.

Still not working? Go to your doctor. They may have a more aggressive drug therapy that suits your needs.