Heartburn During Pregnancy

Indigestion and heartburn affect over 50% of all pregnant women. The information below includes the causes and also some things you can do to minimize these problems.

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is technically called gastroesophageal or acid reflux.”The following information has been adapted from the March of Dimes and American Pregnancy websites listed below.

Heartburn occurs when digested food from your stomach, which contains acid, is pushed up toward your esophagus. This causes a burning sensation behind your breastbone or a burning sensation that starts in your stomach and seems to rise up. You may also have a sour taste in your mouth or a feeling that vomit is rising in your throat.

You feel the heartburn when the valve between the stomach and the food pipe (esophagus) are unable to prevent the stomach acids from passing back into the esophagus. Pregnancy can increase the frequency of heartburn because the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax.

Many women have heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester and third trimester. Although this is not usually a sign of a serious problem, it can be uncomfortable or painful.

Several things can increase the probability you will have heartburn including: