When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through changes that can sometimes lead to tummy troubles like indigestion and heartburn. These problems happen because the baby inside her tummy pushes on her stomach, and the particular hormones in her body make things a bit messy in her belly. 

It might cause a burning feeling in her chest and a yucky taste in her mouth. To avoid heartburn, eat smaller meals, avoid spicy or oily foods, and use extra pillows when you sleep. It will also help you to talk to her doctor about it. Visiting a Gastro Doctor is also essential.

Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

When a woman has a baby growing inside her tummy, her body makes some unique things that relax the muscles in her abdomen. It can let the yucky stuff from her stomach go up into her chest and make it feel like it’s burning. Also, the growing baby can push on her tummy and make this happen more. Eating less at one time, not eating spicy or greasy foods, and not lying down right after eating can make it better.

Foods That Cause Heartburn In Pregnancy

here are some foods that can cause heartburn during pregnancy, such as:

• Spicy foods
• Greasy and fried foods
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomato-based products
• Chocolate
• Mint or peppermint
• Onions and garlic
• Carbonated drinks
• Coffee and caffeinated beverages
• Alcohol

Can Heartburn Harm The Baby

Heartburn during pregnancy is generally uncomfortable for the mother but doesn’t directly harm the foetus. The stomach acids causing heartburn do not reach the womb where the baby is growing. However, if heartburn is severe and consistent, it might lead to poor eating habits due to discomfort, potentially affecting the mother’s nutrition and weight gain. Adequate nutrition is crucial for the baby’s development. Therefore, managing heartburn with a doctor’s guidance and adopting suitable dietary changes can help ensure the mother’s well-being and the baby’s healthy growth.

Tips To Avoid Heartburn

Here’s a bulleted list of information to help a pregnant woman avoid getting heartburn:

• Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of large ones to reduce stomach pressure.
• Sit up straight while eating to prevent stomach acids from flowing back up.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating; wait for at least an hour.
• Drink fluids between meals rather than during meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.
• Prop up the upper body with pillows when sleeping to help gravity keep stomach acids down.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid putting pressure on the stomach.
• Opt for low-acid or non-citrus fruits and juices.
• Consume smaller sips of fluids to prevent overfilling the stomach.

Medicines For Heartburn

If you have constant and severe heartburn throughout your pregnancy, it can harm your unborn child. You can consult the doctor about the medicine to take. 

Antacids are a safe option for treating heartburn. You can also ask for other medicines if this does not work for you.

When Should You Visit A Doctor

If a pregnant woman has a burning feeling in her chest (heartburn) that doesn’t go away, hurts a lot, or makes it hard to eat, she should see a doctor. Especially if she also has trouble swallowing, loses weight without trying, or feels pain in her chest. Visiting a Gynaecologist will help ensure everything is okay and get advice on dealing with heartburn.

CONCLUSION

Managing heartburn during pregnancy is possible by making simple yet effective changes to eating habits and daily routines. Pregnant women can minimize the discomfort of heartburn by opting for smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, maintaining an upright posture, and adopting strategies like propping up while sleeping. Consulting a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to individual needs ensures a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey.