What Can I Take for Heartburn While Pregnant?
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and is a common complaint during pregnancy. It is caused by stomach acid travelling up through the esophagus and irritating the lining. Common symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation in the chest, feeling like food is stuck in the throat, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Why Does it Happen During Pregnancy?
Heartburn is more common during pregnancy due to the increased levels of progesterone. This hormone relaxes the muscles in the body, including the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle normally tightens to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus, but when it relaxes too much, it allows the acid to escape and cause that burning sensation.
Treating Heartburn During Pregnancy
The good news is that there are several ways to treat and prevent heartburn while pregnant. Here are some tips:
1. Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods can trigger heartburn, such as spicy foods, fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, tomatoes, and high-fat foods. Avoiding these trigger foods can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
2. Eat Smaller Meals
Eating smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, which can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Eating smaller meals also helps keep the stomach from becoming overly full, which can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and allow stomach acid to escape.
3. Avoid Eating Late at Night
Eating late at night can increase the chances of heartburn occurring. It's best to eat several hours before going to bed to give your body time to digest the food and reduce the chances of heartburn occurring.
4. Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Wearing tight fitting clothes can put pressure on the stomach and cause heartburn. Wearing loose fitting clothes can help reduce the pressure on the stomach and reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
5. Over the Counter Medication
There are several over the counter medications that can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn. These include antacids such as Tums, H2 blockers such as Zantac, and proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec. It's important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, as some medications may not be safe during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy, but it can be managed with a few simple tips. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding eating late at night, wearing loose fitting clothes, and taking over the counter medications can all help reduce the symptoms of heartburn.