Why Do Pregnant Women Get Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Dr.Madhulika Sinha, 3 mins read

Heartburn is a common problem which many people have experienced at some point in life. It can happen after eating spicy food, lying down soon after a meal, or eating too much at a time. But in case of pregnant women, heartburn can become a frequent and uncomfortable state, particularly in the early months of pregnancy. For relief, people usually take an antacid and move on  but the expectant mothers often wonder why this burning sensation in the chest seems to occur so often and what can remedies can be taken to ease it safely.

In this blog, we have tried to explain what is heartburn and why it occurs during pregnancy and how it can be treated.  

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning or uncomfortable feeling in the chest or throat caused by acid from the stomach moving up into the food pipe (esophagus). Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), keeps stomach acid from flowing backward. When this muscle relaxes at the wrong time or becomes weak, acid can travel upward, causing the familiar burning sensation known as heartburn or acid reflux.

Why Does It Happen During Early Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many hormonal and physical changes. One of the main reasons for heartburn in early pregnancy is the increase in the hormone progesterone. This hormone helps relax the muscles in the uterus to prepare for the growing baby. However, progesterone also relaxes other muscles in the body, including the LES. When the LES relaxes, it allows stomach acid to move upward more easily, leading to heartburn.

Another reason is that pregnancy can slow down digestion. Hormonal changes make the digestive system work more slowly to allow better absorption of nutrients for the baby. While this is beneficial, it also means that food stays in the stomach longer, increasing the chance of acid reflux.

Although the baby is still small in the early months, some women may experience bloating or mild swelling in the abdomen. This can put gentle pressure on the stomach, adding to the discomfort. As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus presses more on the stomach, making heartburn even more common in later stages.

Common Triggers of Heartburn During Pregnancy

• Spicy or greasy foods
  
• Citrus fruits or juices
  
• Chocolate
  
• Coffee or tea
  
• Carbonated drinks
  
• Large or late-night meals
  

Safe Ways to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

Many women can find relief through simple lifestyle changes. Below are some safe and effective tips:

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones.
   
2. Avoid trigger foods that cause discomfort.
   
3. Sit upright after eating for at least 30 minutes.
   
4. Sleep with your head elevated using an extra pillow.
   
5. Drink water between meals rather than during them to prevent overfilling the stomach.
   
6. Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce pressure on the abdomen.
   

When to See a Doctor

Occasional heartburn is normal during pregnancy, but if it becomes severe, happens frequently, or is accompanied by vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss, it’s important to consult your gynecologist. Persistent symptoms could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another underlying issue.

Conclusion

Heartburn in early pregnancy is a common and usually harmless condition caused mainly by hormonal changes and muscle relaxation. As it can be uncomfortable, understanding its causes and adopting healthy habits can make a big difference. With the right care and guidance from a gynecologist, expectant mothers can find relief and focus on enjoying their pregnancy journey with greater comfort.