How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy, causes and what you can drink?

Even if the patient has not previously suffered from heartburn symptoms, during gestation she will inevitably become familiar with them. Heartburn during pregnancy in the second trimester is regarded by experts as an extremely unpleasant, but relatively common phenomenon. It is even a common belief among mothers that heartburn in pregnant women occurs when the baby’s hair and nails begin to actively grow. But doctors have a different opinion, explaining the occurrence of an unpleasant burning sensation in the epigastrium by completely physiological factors.

Self-administration of medications is very dangerous for both the expectant mother and the fetus.

What is heartburn?

The signs of heartburn are specific and cannot be confused with anything else - some time after eating, a burning sensation occurs in the esophagus.
The sensation usually occurs some time after eating and can last for several hours if left untreated. In addition to the characteristic symptom, the problem is often accompanied by other manifestations. Symptoms of heartburn:

A burning sensation in the esophagus. This is felt especially strongly in the upper part of the stomach;
Nausea;
Frequent belching;
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth;
Flatulence;
Spasms, pain in the intestines;
Abnormal stool.

Heartburn, in itself, is not a disease. This is only a consequence of some disorders of the digestive system.

When heartburn occurs in pregnant women, excessive anxiety occurs, which negatively affects overall well-being. In addition, appetite may be impaired. Therefore, it is very important not to ignore the problem, but to seek help from a doctor in a timely manner. After all, it is very important for the expectant mother to receive high-quality, nutritious nutrition.

Qigong technique

Frequent heartburn when carrying a child can be corrected by gymnastics. Recently, oriental methods have become popular, one of them is qigong. Relaxing gymnastics removes pain and tension from the spine, allows you to relax, straighten your back, and reduce tension on the abdominal cavity. The technique gives a positive result, but without a professional approach it is dangerous. It is worth contacting a specialist who has experience working with special patients.

Why do pregnant women suffer from heartburn?

Heartburn occurs in pregnant women for various reasons. In some cases, it is a consequence of hormonal and other metabolic changes. In others, it is associated with pre-existing diseases or disorders.

If a woman suffered from it before her new “position,” then, most likely, during pregnancy the symptom will intensify and bother her more often.

Let's look at the most common reasons why heartburn can occur in pregnant women:

There is an intense increase in progesterone. As the concentration of the hormone in the blood increases, the muscles lose tone. The gastric sphincter weakens, and when the stomach is full, acid enters the esophagus.
For the same reason, increased progesterone worsens intestinal motility. Food moves more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in fermentation processes, increased acidity and flatulence.
The uterus is growing every day. It begins to put pressure on the abdominal organs. The volume of the compressed stomach decreases and the acidic liquid, overflowing it, is released into the esophagus. Leakage of acid from the gastric sphincter can occur from physical movements: bending, sudden lifting, fast steps, turning the body.
Heartburn, nausea and belching during pregnancy occur from the baby's movements. The position of its body is such that its legs rest directly on the abdominal organs. By kicking, it provokes deformation of the intestines and stomach.
In some cases, the causes of heartburn occur due to the increasing amount of gastric juice in women during pregnancy. Such changes are also associated with the restructuring of the body.

The most important question for expectant mothers suffering from the problem is what to do if heartburn during pregnancy does not give you peace?

Of course, this question should be asked to your supervising doctor. Only a specialist can find the exact cause of the symptom and prescribe treatment methods suitable for a pregnant woman. We will answer important questions, but present information for general information only.

Question! Can there be heartburn during a “frozen” pregnancy? Unfortunately, this happens. While the “frozen” fetus remains in the womb, the body continues to produce hormones characteristic of pregnancy. In addition, the uterus remains enlarged and puts pressure on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, until the fetus is removed, digestive problems will continue.

Heartburn can cause many unpleasant moments during pregnancy

Causes

Why does heartburn occur during pregnancy in the second trimester? The causes of this phenomenon should only be identified by an experienced doctor. Factors in the development of this condition can be a variety of abnormalities in the body.

As you know, the human esophagus is protected from the effects of stomach acid through a special valve - the sphincter. It is thanks to him that people with a healthy stomach and digestive system in general very rarely suffer from heartburn. However, with the onset of pregnancy, the female body undergoes numerous changes every day. For example, during this period the tone of human muscle tissue, including the esophagus, changes quite significantly. Under the influence of a hormone such as progesterone, the muscles of the expectant mother are significantly weakened. As a result, the valve, which is a clamp in its normal state, begins to stretch, which entails the passage of stomach acid into the esophagus. This is the main reason why heartburn during pregnancy in the second trimester so often worries expectant mothers.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy with proper nutrition?

As mentioned above, heartburn is not a disease. You can eliminate this unpleasant symptom with the help of medications that neutralize acidity, but it is best to resort to proper nutrition. Pregnancy and the problem of heartburn first of all require a review of the diet. Choosing the right diet will have a positive effect not only on the digestive system, but also on the entire body as a whole. After all, it is through nutrition that a woman receives the bulk of the vitamins and minerals she and her baby need.

The recommendations below will help eliminate the problem without medications and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Fractional power mode

Experts recommend that people suffering from heartburn eat small meals 5-6 times a day. Overeating not only causes the release of gastric juice, but also many other problems. Small meals do not overload the digestive system. The organs calmly digest, break down and assimilate food.

At first, after eating light snacks, a pregnant woman may feel hungry. Gradually, the body gets used to small portions and satiation comes after eating.

A split diet for heartburn helps not only during pregnancy. It will be useful to all people suffering from the problem.

Eating well can help reduce heartburn symptoms

Food Time

To prevent negative processes from occurring in the stomach, it is very important to follow a time regime. Don't skip breakfast. The time between meals should be an average of 3 hours. The last meal is advisable no later than 3-4 hours before bedtime. It is under no circumstances recommended to overeat at night and go to bed with a full belly.

As a last resort, if you have an acute feeling of hunger, you can eat something light, for example, a piece of white meat, a cucumber, an apple, cottage cheese, or drink kefir.

Food Processing and Temperature

It is advisable to steam, stew or boil dishes. It is useful to cook food by baking it in the oven, in foil or in a sleeve. It is better to completely exclude fried foods from your diet. You should not eat food very hot. It should be warm, not scalding. While eating and for an hour after, you should not drink liquid. Any drink dilutes gastric juice, and foods are less digestible. In addition, the liquid increases the mass in the stomach and can cause the release of acid into the esophagus. It is acceptable to take a couple of sips of water or tea after eating, but no more. After the specified time, you can drink in any quantity.

During pregnancy, steamed food is considered the healthiest

What foods can you eat and what can you not?

To accurately determine which foods cause heartburn, experts advise pregnant women to keep a food diary. Everyone’s body is different and so is its reaction to food. Here are general tips on what an expectant mother can eat and what it is better to avoid.

What is not recommended to eat?

It is better not to eat foods fried in large amounts of oil, and to minimize fatty foods.
Avoid sour and salty foods (permissible in small quantities if you really want them).
You can’t eat smoked meats or lard.
Avoid yeast baked goods, including bread.
Do not drink carbonated drinks, strong coffee and tea.
Reduce the amount of sweets.
Radishes, onions, garlic, radishes, white cabbage, nuts, and mushrooms can trigger an attack of heartburn.
Eliminate sauces and seasonings (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, spices).
Refuse processed foods and fast food.

Eligible Products

Porridge with water and milk.
Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, green peas, cucumbers, tomatoes.
Not sour fruits.
Boiled eggs.
Milk with a low fat content.
Lean varieties of meat and fish.
Cereals and grains.
Yeast-free, insipid dough.
Vegetable oil and butter no more than 20 g per day.
Acid-free greens (dill, parsley, celery, cilantro, rosemary).
Weak tea, diluted natural juices, compotes, herbal infusions.

Diet

The main rule of following the rules of diet during pregnancy is to be able to listen to your body.

If the use of any product causes discomfort, you should abandon it. This food may be contraindicated for you due to individual factors.

Dietary recommendations during pregnancy:

Avoid eating fatty and smoked foods. It is difficult to digest and digest by the stomach. If such food gets into the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause not only heartburn, but also nausea.
A minimum amount of salt is allowed in dishes. Salty foods lead to dehydration. If the expectant mother drinks fluids more often to prevent dehydration, this will create additional difficulties.
Sweet pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar. Sometimes you can treat yourself to a delicious bun with jam or cream, but eating them every day means quickly gaining excess weight.
Chocolate. In large quantities it is harmful. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of eating chocolate 1-2 times a week.
Sparkling water. Excess gas in the stomach provokes flatulence and increased gas formation in the intestines; as a result, a pregnant woman who drank such liquid will face problems related to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Eating some vegetables, such as radishes, onions, cabbage, can negatively affect the well-being of the expectant mother.

If, after eating one of the above foods/drinks/meals, you do not feel unwell the next day, then there is no need to completely exclude them from your diet.

What helps with heartburn during pregnancy?

The feeling of heartburn in the throat and esophagus during pregnancy is extremely unpleasant. This causes not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. Let's look at what pregnant women can do and how to get rid of the symptom as quickly as possible.

How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy using home methods?

Regular milk quickly and effectively extinguishes acid. It is enough to take 3-4 sips, and after 10 minutes the burning sensation goes away.
Carrot juice gives good results. If you can’t make fresh juice, you can eat one small carrot.
A few slices of grapefruit quickly neutralize the acid in the esophagus.
A handful of sunflower seeds or a couple of walnuts helps with moderate heartburn.
A remedy that has been proven over the years is soda pop. Half a teaspoon is diluted in 0.5 cup of warm boiled water. soda and quench it with 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar. The solution is drunk in one gulp. It extinguishes hydrochloric acid within 10-15 minutes.

Before using these recommendations for heartburn during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies for heartburn are based on natural herbal ingredients, therefore they are quite safe and at the same time effective.

Peppermint. Eliminates heartburn, improves digestion, relieves intestinal spasms. It is recommended to add it to tea (1:1 with tea leaves) and drink a few sips after meals. Tea is also good to drink between meals.
Yarrow. Two tsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 2-3 hours, then strain. Take a sip before and after meals.
St. John's wort. The herb is brewed exactly as described above (2 tsp per 300 ml of water). Take a couple of sips 15 minutes after eating.
Calamus root. A herbal decoction prepared in this way can quickly relieve heartburn: 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water. After an hour, filter and drink a little after eating.
Heather. Pour 2 tsp. dry herb with a glass of boiling water, leave for 1-2 hours, strain and divide into 3-4 doses. Drink 15 minutes after eating.

The listed herbs for heartburn during pregnancy can be consumed only if you are not allergic to them. Before preparing the decoction, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the contraindications of each plant.

Safe medications for heartburn

What pregnant women should and should not take from medications for heartburn can only be decided by a doctor. We provide general information about medications allowed for pregnant women.

Medicines that neutralize heartburn are divided into two groups: alginates and antacids.

Alginates are made from natural plant substances. The main component of such drugs is brown algae, which effectively neutralizes gastric hydrochloric acid. The medicine forms a protective film, preventing the effects of acid on the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.

Effective preparations of the alginate group:

Calcium alginate.
Gaviscon.
Magnesium-algalan.
Laminal.

A huge advantage of these medications is that they are absolutely safe and free of side effects. Treatment of heartburn in pregnant women with alginates can be carried out at any stage.

The second group is antacids, made on the basis of magnesium, aluminum and calcium. They, in turn, are divided into two types: absorbable and non-absorbable.

Absorbable antacids are highly not recommended for pregnant women. The drugs retain fluid in the body, causing edema, which already affects many pregnant women.

Non-absorbable antacids include:

Phosphalugel.
Gasterin.
Magnesium hydroxide.
Topalkan

Combination drugs have proven themselves to be quite good:

Almagel Neo.
Rennie.
Gastal.

A good remedy for heartburn during pregnancy is Maalox. The liquid form of the drug has the fastest effect.

Expectant mothers should not rely on advice on the Internet about what they can and cannot drink if they have heartburn. A doctor should prescribe such medications.

Healthy lifestyle

The lifestyle that the expectant mother leads has a huge impact on her health. If a woman has bad habits (alcohol, smoking), then from the moment of conception she should give them up as soon as possible. They only aggravate the risk of heartburn and negatively affect the health of the mother and her unborn baby.

Do not forget about the benefits of walking in the air, light physical exercise, and daily ventilation of the premises.
A pregnant woman should give up uncomfortable, constricting clothes, high-heeled shoes, and heavy bags.
Psycho-emotional health is no less important. A woman expecting a child should avoid stress and any negative experiences.

Folk remedies

The period of bearing a baby is special, so refusal of medications and gymnastics is quite justified. Folk remedies are often used for heartburn during pregnancy. Combating a burning sensation with herbs at home has a big advantage; it is harmless. But it is important to make sure that increased bitterness is not a symptom of a disease. For heartburn during pregnancy use:

Rosehip drink. Once you drink the drink, the bitterness “goes away” instantly. And the vitamins included will strengthen the immune system. It's very easy to prepare. Chopped rose hips (500 g), liquid (2 l) - all you need. Pour hot liquid over the berries and leave in a dark place. You can drink it instead of tea, add sugar if desired.
Potato and cabbage juice. If you have an unpleasant feeling, you need to take 1 tablespoon, the bitterness will quickly pass.
Chamomile tea. The product is effective, but you need to get a doctor's permission to use it.
Water. Drinking enough fluids per day will reduce the risk of burning.
Milk. Milk helps many women, but there are also those who benefit from fermented milk products.
Vegetable oil. Take 1 teaspoon of olive or vegetable oil - this will help relieve the unpleasant feeling.
If you eat raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds, your heartburn will go away. And a large number of microelements will not be superfluous.

Preventing heartburn

The following recommendations will increase the effect of any heartburn treatment method and improve your health:

Do not eat any heavy food before bed.
Sleep on a slightly elevated pillow.
Immediately after eating, try not to bend over or lie down.
Take your food slowly and chew it thoroughly.
Try to reduce weight if you have extra pounds.
Walk more.
Don't sleep on your stomach.

If heartburn occurs during pregnancy, it may disappear on its own after childbirth. If the problem persists for a long time, despite treatment, it is worth undergoing a detailed diagnosis and finding out the cause of the symptom.

Nothing helps!

Sometimes situations may arise when all methods, including drug therapy, have already been tried, but heartburn returns again and again. In this case, there is no point in hoping that heartburn will subside and leave you alone; you should consult a doctor and consult a gastroenterologist. Sometimes this can be a symptom of an exacerbation of digestive diseases that require treatment with more serious medications.

Sometimes you just have to endure heartburn, relieving it a little with improvised means and medications, but after childbirth it usually disappears immediately. Therefore, do not be nervous or worry, heartburn only gets worse from worry.