Heartburn, known medically as reflux, is a common symptom of the last few months of pregnancy. It usually starts in the seventh month of pregnancy and often only passes with the delivery. Heartburn during pregnancy experience has shown that it is excruciating, but does not pose any health risk to the fetus or mother.
Why pregnant women often have heartburn
For the occurrence of Heartburn during pregnancy there are two reasons. On the one hand it is based on the luteal hormone progesterone. This is produced in the placenta and is intended to relax the muscles in the uterus in order to prevent premature labor. The sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus is also affected by the slackening effect and opens up through slight contractions of the stomach.
On the other hand, the cause lies in the abdomen itself. At the end of the pregnancy, the growing child hardly offers any space for the mother's internal organs. As a result, your stomach is pushed into the upper area and exerts pressure on the sphincter muscle. The muscle, which has already been weakened by the progesterone, cannot withstand this pressure and opens up. Pregnant women cannot influence the subsequent influence of stomach acid in the esophagus.
What happens if you have heartburn during pregnancy?
The sphincter, medically known as the esophageal sphincter, usually prevents the aggressive stomach acid from entering the sensitive esophagus. This is not surrounded by a protective mucous membrane and is vulnerable to the hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice. The irritation triggers a burning sensation or pain behind the breastbone, which can radiate into the jaw.
Burping of acidic stomach contents is also possible. It creates a bitter taste in the mouth and can also attack teeth if it occurs frequently. Heartburn can also be associated with stomach pressure, a feeling of fullness, and excessive salivation. Even hoarseness and coughing can be symptoms of severe gastric acid reflux.
General tips for heartburn
Direct prevention of heartburn is not possible, but there are several ways to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms and reduce the risk of their recurrence. The most important goal is to minimize and bind excess stomach acid. Hazelnuts, almonds, oat flakes and sunflower seeds are supposed to soak up the caustic juice and it is advisable to keep them handy in the last weeks of pregnancy.
The same applies to hot mustard, healing earth that is drunk dissolved in water, fresh ginger tea, milk or, even better, unsweetened yogurt. Chewing gum also usually contains ingredients that can neutralize stomach acid. At the same time, the permanent chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which can also stop the acid.
Acupressure offers help on the go. The corresponding point is located in the middle of the upper half of the thumb. If it is pressed on both hands for about half a minute, it should have a positive effect. Due to gravity, it is advisable to sleep with the upper body elevated at night.
If there is no way to adjust the bed accordingly or to improvise with several pillows, you should always sleep on the left side of the body. The anatomy of the digestive tract has a slight advantage there. If the stomach acid develops due to stress, it is advisable to shift down a gear and allow yourself more rest. In addition, it is important to pay attention to clothing that is loose and should not push the stomach any further.
Diet tips for heartburn
In addition, eating habits can help. Many foods stimulate the production of gastric juice unnecessarily and it is recommended that these be eliminated from the menu. These include citrus fruits, chocolate and other sweets, products made from white flour and dishes prepared with vinegar. In general, very spicy or fatty food should be avoided.
The longer the digestion time and thus the length of time the dish remains in the stomach, the greater the likelihood that heartburn will subsequently occur. Therefore, it is also better to keep the portions small and to chew particularly well. You should also refrain from lying down after eating or eating large portions just before going to bed.
You should drink a lot, but not with meals, as otherwise the stomach will expand senselessly. Coffee, juices with a high content of fruit acids and carbonated drinks are not recommended. Still mineral waters or herbal teas without added sugar are ideal. Alcohol and cigarettes are taboo during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but should be avoided as they also promote heartburn.
If it gets too bad: medication for heartburn
If the various recommendations do not show any remedy, pharmaceutical products can be used. A large number are freely available in stores, but self-medication should be ruled out during pregnancy. In the case of severe symptoms, the doctor will also check whether more serious diseases can be ruled out.
A severely inflamed and burned esophagus is vulnerable and forms scars and ulcers. The consequences are narrowing of the tube and possible bleeding. In the worst case scenario, Barrett's esophagus, a precursor of cancer, develops. Homeopathic heartburn remedies are also on the market.
Here, too, it is important to consult the naturopath in advance in order to discuss a dosage tailored to the pregnancy and to protect the unborn child from possible side effects. In addition, it is worth consulting with the midwife. Their years of experience lead to a wealth of experiences from other pregnancies and their accompanying symptoms.
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