Heartburn during pregnancy causes. Medicines for heartburn. How to prevent severe heartburn

03.07.2019

Reading time: 7 minutes

For what reasons does heartburn occur in pregnant women, is it possible to take medication or is it better to use folk remedies - questions that concern most expectant mothers, since this unpleasant symptom occurs in most of them. Diet, diet and sleep are the main principles that help a woman cope with this disease, there are also medications that you can drink in case of urgent need.

What is heartburn in pregnancy

The main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, a disease in which the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus, is heartburn during pregnancy. It is accompanied by sour belching, a burning sensation in the sternum. This condition torments about 80% of pregnant women, because a number of changes that occur with the female body during gestation provoke the development of heartburn.

The mechanism of its appearance is associated with the work of the esophageal sphincter - a muscle covering the junction of the stomach and esophagus, due to which the contents of the stomach are kept inside it. The weakening of the sphincter tone disrupts this process, so gastric juices are thrown back into the esophagus. Another factor that causes heartburn is acid-base imbalance caused by an excess of acidic and fatty foods.

When does heartburn start during pregnancy?

It is widely believed that heartburn occurs only in the last months before childbirth, but this is a misconception. During pregnancy, it may be the result of early toxicosis. Increased production of the hormone progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, begins from the first days of fetal development. High levels of this substance in the blood of a pregnant woman has a direct effect on the occurrence of heartburn attacks, because it weakens not only the muscles of the uterus, but also other smooth muscles of the body, including the esophageal sphincter.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heartburn are associated with increased acidity of the stomach, usually manifested after eating (in rare cases - on an empty stomach), especially in a horizontal, lying position of the body (due to the structural features of the digestive system). Heartburn causes the following symptoms:

sour taste in the mouth;
"air" eructation (emission of gases);
belching of undigested food or gastric juice;
increased salivation;
nausea;
vomit;
pain in the abdomen and stomach;
pain in the throat;
unpleasant burning sensation in the chest cavity;
disorder of the swallowing mechanism;
destruction of tooth enamel.

Why pregnant women have heartburn

In normal cases, heartburn is the result of malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract caused by increased secretion of gastric juice, excess of the normal level of hydrochloric acid, the appearance of ulcers on the gastric mucosa that disrupt the mechanism of its work. Heartburn in a pregnant woman develops for other reasons associated with a change in the hormonal background of the expectant mother, weight gain, an increase in the load on the internal organs as the baby grows.

In the early stages

Before the twentieth week (the beginning of the second trimester), reflux occurs in rare cases caused by the effect of the pregnancy hormone on the muscles of the uterus and other smooth muscles of the woman, including the esophageal sphincter. More often symptoms of the disease at these times arise due to a violation of the diet, the predominance in the diet of a pregnant woman of products that affect the acid-base balance of the body, overeating and other reasons associated with malfunctions of the digestive system.

At a later date

As the fetus develops and grows, the pressure factor for the development of reflux increases. An enlarged uterus changes the position of all internal organs, lifting and constricting them. Stiffness of the stomach provokes the reflux of its contents into the esophagus. The weight gained during pregnancy increases the load on the body systems, increases intra-abdominal pressure, which causes frequent bouts of heartburn.

Foods that cause heartburn during pregnancy

Under the influence of overeating, eating disorders and eating foods that increase the acidity of the stomach and provoke abundant secretion of gastric juice during pregnancy, heartburn occurs. The list of not recommended foods and dishes consists of:

citrus and other acidic fruits;
a number of vegetables - white cabbage, radish, radish, some varieties of tomatoes;
dark chocolate and chocolate desserts;
coffee;
strong tea;
sour juices;
mushrooms;
fatty meat and fish;
smoked products - sausages, sausages, lard, smoked cheese;
hot spices and seasonings;
fatty sauces;
fast food.

What is dangerous heartburn

For the healthy development of the fetus, this condition does not pose a threat; it indirectly affects the course of pregnancy. The expectant mother needs to eat normally and try to minimize the amount of vegetables, fruits and dairy products, since these products, although they can provoke heartburn, contain proteins and fiber necessary for cell growth. Frequent attacks of reflux symptoms can provoke sleep disturbances and an increase in the level of adrenaline and cortisol, increase uterine hypertonicity, so you need to deal with the condition.

What can pregnant women for heartburn

Therapy of reflux symptoms is carried out by a complex method, combining a special diet, the use of natural remedies, and medication. Preparations for heartburn during pregnancy are prescribed by a gastroenterologist and agreed with an obstetrician-gynecologist. If it is possible to get by with non-drug treatment, it is better to prefer this option. It is necessary to follow a diet, diet and sleep.

Preparations

To choose a cure for heartburn for pregnant women, it is important to remember that during this period of a woman's life, only safe drugs can be taken that will not affect the normal development of the fetus. It is necessary to follow the rules of positional therapy - sleep mainly on the left side, lying on your back, raise your head, placing a pillow. Only a specialist can prescribe heartburn pills for pregnant women, you should not self-medicate.

Rennie helps thanks to its main components - magnesium hydroxycarbonate and calcium carbonate. They neutralize excess hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. During an attack of heartburn, chew 1 tablet. The maximum daily dose is 11 tablets. Take the medicine no more than once every two hours. Tablets are contraindicated in renal failure, may cause an allergic reaction.

What to eat for heartburn during pregnancy

An important role in getting rid of the symptoms of reflux is played by diet and diet. It is necessary to take food in small portions, 5-6 times a day, you need to eat it as slowly as possible, chew it thoroughly. It is recommended to drink mineral water (no more than 2 glasses a day). To prevent the occurrence of constipation, due to which the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, increasing the compression of the stomach, you should eat dried fruits and boiled beets. List others recommended products includes:

milk, ice cream (in small quantities), fermented baked milk;
carrot juice or grated carrot salad;
nuts (in strictly limited quantities due to high calorie content), seeds;
fresh cucumbers and salad from them;
boiled pumpkin puree.

Milk

An attack of heartburn removes a glass of milk. It relieves discomfort in the throat and esophagus, and the substances in its composition (milk protein and fats) partially neutralize the activity of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. It is better to drink skim milk, you can add a little crushed almonds. Sour-milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk) help worse because of the bacteria they contain. Their use is best reduced as much as possible.

Folk remedies for heartburn

A pregnant woman from heartburn attacks does not have to drink medications, it is better to use natural natural medicines. When resorting to traditional medicine recipes, remember that many plants have a strong effect on the body, therefore they have a number of contraindications. Be sure to consult your doctor before using them. It is better to refuse to take soda, since it contains sodium salts that contribute to the development of edema. The following are helpful:

Peppermint decoction. 1 tbsp chopped mint leaf (dry or fresh) brew a glass of boiling water. Take 100-150 g after meals.
A decoction of flaxseed. 1 tbsp mashed seeds insist in a glass of boiling water for 2 hours, strain. Drink before meals for 100-120 g.
Dandelion flower drink. 120 g of dandelion color brew 250 ml of boiling water. Drink 1 glass per day. The drug is contraindicated in high blood sugar levels.

Prevention

During pregnancy, preventive measures for heartburn are diet, daily routine, principles of a healthy lifestyle. You should not overeat, it is better to eat small portions every two to three hours. The last meal is carried out 3-4 hours before bedtime, do not go to bed on a full stomach. The diet should contain more products that do not cause an increase in the acidity of gastric juice. Eliminate fatty and fried foods, cook for a couple. It is worth refusing to wear tight clothing that squeezes the stomach and internal organs.

Video

Heartburn is a frequent companion of pregnant women, up to 80% of women, starting from the first trimester, complain of nausea and a burning sensation behind the sternum after eating. This physiological phenomenon is associated with the restructuring of the body for bearing a fetus, usually after the birth of a child, a fire in the esophagus passes within 2-3 weeks. For some women, heartburn before childbirth becomes a continuous torment. Not all drugs and folk remedies that remove it are acceptable during the period of bearing a child. In what ways can you alleviate the condition of expectant mothers before the birth of the baby?

Why heartburn occurs during pregnancy and lactation

In each period of bearing a child, one of the factors that provoke heartburn comes into play. In late pregnancy, they act together, so during this period, heartburn intensifies, sometimes becomes continuous.

First trimester

The first reason heartburn occurs during pregnancy, even in healthy women, is the action of progesterone. This female hormone provides favorable conditions for the growth of the embryo in the mother's body. He relaxes her smooth muscles so that spasmodic movements do not provoke a miscarriage. Together with all the muscles, the cardiac sphincter, the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach, also relaxes. When it relaxes, heartburn attacks occur: the acidic contents of the stomach easily penetrate the esophagus, react with its neutral environment, as a result of which the mucous membrane of the esophagus gets burned.

second half of pregnancy

In the second half of the term, another factor comes into play: the growing fetus increases the size of the uterus, it rises higher and higher, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. As a result of the pressure of the uterus on the stomach, its size is reduced, the gastric juice splashes into the esophagus and reaches the pharynx, the burning behind the sternum is supplemented by burning and a lump in the throat. If a woman previously suffered from gastritis, peptic ulcer, duodenitis, then during pregnancy these problems become aggravated.

Hormones affect the acidity of gastric juice, it has a stronger effect on the walls of the esophagus, which become inflamed, and this increases pain. It seems to a woman that no means can help her: the burning sensation does not go away even when she refuses food. In due time, gastric juice will still stand out and penetrate to the walls of the esophagus. Attacks in the prone position are especially strong, so you even have to sleep in a sitting position.

Last weeks before childbirth

The last trimester of pregnancy can bring relief, but often exacerbates the problem. Some women believe that heartburn in the last weeks of pregnancy is a sign of an imminent birth, but this is not so. At 39-40 weeks, the uterus descends into the pelvic area, as a result of which its pressure on the stomach and intestines is weakened. In addition, the body, preparing for childbirth, reduces the synthesis of progesterone. All the muscles come into tone, the lower esophageal sphincter closes tightly again and protects the esophagus from the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid of the stomach.

Important! In the normal course of pregnancy in the last days before childbirth, heartburn disappears - and this is a sign of the imminent onset of labor pains.

There are a number of reasons why distressing symptoms do not go away until after the baby is born:

Breech presentation of the fetus. Before birth, the baby in the womb assumes a head down position - this is the best option for the movement of the fetus during labor pains. In this position, the uterus stops pressing on the stomach and intestines, and the symptoms of burning behind the sternum disappear. If the fetus assumes a head-up position, the fetus continues to put pressure on the stomach and cause heartburn until the baby is born.
Multiple pregnancy, when the size of the abdomen, even in the lowered position, continues to put pressure on the abdominal organs.
A particularly large fetus and mother's habit of eating "for two." Overeating during pregnancy leads to unreasonable growth of the fetus and the preservation of heartburn symptoms until the end of the term.

After childbirth

After childbirth, heartburn most often goes away by itself, because intra-abdominal pressure normalizes.. However, the effect of some factors that caused burning in the esophagus during the period remains. Other reasons are added - and women complain that after giving birth, heartburn did not go away:

The first reason is the exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, increased acidity of the stomach, gastroesophageal reflux disease. With such problems, a nursing mother cannot cope on her own, qualified treatment is necessary.
During lactation, the action of progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the cardiac sphincter, increases again. Overeating, night snacks overwhelm the stomach and cause heartburn.
Incorrect body position after eating: a woman, having eaten well, immediately goes to feed the baby or rest, in which case there is a reverse reflux (reflux) of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn after eating appears if you immediately bend over and do the necessary work in this position.
Stress, lack of sleep provoke an increase in the acidity of gastric juice and increase the burning sensation behind the sternum.

Heartburn during pregnancy and lactation does not harm the baby. However, for the woman herself, it is far from harmless: relaxation of the esophageal sphincter and inflammation of the walls of the esophagus threaten indigestion and the development of oncology. It is not recommended to endure heartburn in the hope that it will pass by itself, it is necessary to use all available means to alleviate its symptoms.

Prevention of heartburn during pregnancy

Knowing the mechanism of occurrence of burning in the retrosternal region, it is necessary to consciously do everything to prevent acid reflux from the stomach. To do this, you must comply with several simple, but important conditions.

Diet

Eat often, in small portions, so as not to overfill the stomach with food.
It is very good to chew food for a long time - so it will not linger in the stomach for a long time.
During meals, do not dilute gastric juice with excess fluid, you can drink one hour before or after meals.
Immediately after eating, do not take a horizontal position, do not bend over, so as not to provoke the return of food into the esophagus. Go to bed 1.5-2 hours after dinner.

diet

To relieve the symptoms of burning in the esophagus, it is necessary to limit the use of food that provokes heartburn. These include:

spicy, fatty, fried foods;
fresh bakery;
citrus fruits, sour berries (cranberries, currants, gooseberries);
carbonated drinks, kvass;
onions, garlic, cabbage, tomatoes;
chocolate, coffee, cocoa.

To reduce unwanted symptoms, eat:

dried white bread;
boiled meat and fish;
cereals flavored with butter;
baked fruits and vegetables;
sunflower oil, seeds;
grated carrots and carrot juice; prunes, boiled beets;
milk and dairy products;
compotes, kissels, herbal teas (ginger and chamomile), mineral water.

Other means of prevention

The upper part of the body during sleep should be raised, it is best to sleep on your back, placing high pillows.

Clothing should not constrain the stomach. To improve digestion, it is useful for pregnant women to perform gymnastic exercises - stretching the arms and legs, but in no case should bends and sharp turns. It is important to maintain proper posture and not slouch. Very useful for pregnant women is the knee-elbow pose (child's pose in yoga gymnastics). This position allows all nearby organs to restore blood circulation and rest from the constant pressure on them of the stretched uterus.

How to get rid of heartburn attacks before childbirth

During pregnancy, conventional heartburn remedies can be harmful, so they should be used infrequently and only on the advice of a doctor.

What funds should be abandoned

antispasmodics (No-Shpa, Papaverine) - they relax the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter;
mint, which also lowers muscle tone;
soda - having extinguished the acid in the esophagus, it starts the reaction of its accelerated synthesis in the stomach. In addition, its reception increases swelling, because. it is absorbed into the blood and disrupts the acid-base balance.

What antacids can be used

Antacids - drugs that neutralize hydrochloric acid, they quickly relieve burning sensation, act for 2-3 hours, have few side effects, since they are not absorbed into the blood:

Drugs such as Gastacid, Almagel, Phosphalugel, Maalox, with prolonged use, will create additional problems. They consist of aluminum and calcium salts, which, once in the intestines, provoke constipation.
The best remedy for heartburn during pregnancy is Rennie, a combination of magnesium and calcium salts. Its use is not accompanied by constipation, has a laxative effect, the drug is a source of calcium, which during pregnancy is sorely lacking for the expectant mother.

Many women are helped with heartburn folk remedies:

cold milk, which must be drunk in small sips;
seeds, nuts or a teaspoon of sunflower oil;
calamus powder, taken in 1/3 tsp. three times a day before meals;
potato juice, drunk on an empty stomach, ¼ cup for 10 days.

Heartburn attacks during pregnancy are not dangerous for the health of the mother and baby. But if left unattended, they can lead to unpleasant complications.

The information on our website is provided by qualified doctors and is for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate! Be sure to contact a specialist!

Gastroenterologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences. Prescribes diagnostics and conducts treatment. Expert of the group on the study of inflammatory diseases. Author of more than 300 scientific papers.

At different stages of pregnancy, heartburn affects three out of four expectant mothers. Moreover, heartburn can appear even if it has never happened before! Where does heartburn come from?

An unpleasant, sharp, sour taste in the mouth, a burning sensation in the throat or in the pit of the stomach - that's all it is. The essence of heartburn is that the contents of the stomach (where, as you know, food is digested with the participation of acid) is thrown back into the esophagus. And the mucous membrane of the esophagus suffers from exposure to acid.

Heartburn usually occurs immediately after eating or when lying down, it is most pronounced in the second half of pregnancy and can last from several minutes to several hours.

Cause of heartburn during pregnancy

Why does heartburn become a frequent visitor in pregnant women? The main cause of heartburn during pregnancy is hormonal changes in the body. The esophagus and stomach are separated by a special muscle - the sphincter, which normally just prevents food from returning back. But during pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone increases in the body.

Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, which is necessary in order to reduce the excitability of the uterus with the fetus resting in it. But besides the uterus, other smooth muscle organs also relax, including the sphincter from the stomach to the esophagus.

Moreover, as pregnancy develops, the uterus becomes larger, crowds the intestines, supports the diaphragm and stomach, so that additional conditions are created for throwing the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Under the influence of hormones, the acidity of gastric juice can also increase, which increases the burning sensation. For many pregnant women, heartburn literally deprives them of sleep.

Comforting news for those who suffer from heartburn right now: this unpleasant, but not too dangerous ailment in itself does not affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development. There are many ways, if not to get rid of heartburn at all, then at least alleviate it, and we will talk about these methods.

Even if they do not help 100%, the fact that in the last month of pregnancy, heartburn usually becomes much weaker can be comforting for expectant mothers. The fact is that at this time the production of progesterone in the body decreases. And for good reason: this happens so that the uterus can prepare for labor pains, and the stomach itself, as a rule, moves down with the lowering of the baby's head, reducing pressure on the stomach. And childbirth will almost certainly become a long-awaited relief from heartburn in pregnant women!

How to treat heartburn during pregnancy

Now that we know the causes of heartburn during pregnancy, we can clean out the factors that exacerbate it and minimize them.

It is advisable not to take antispasmodics - they further relax the muscles of the internal organs. Therefore, if you have to take these types of drugs from time to time, it is best to tell your doctor right away that you are suffering from heartburn and ask for another treatment if possible.
Considering that heartburn is provoked by a compressed state of the stomach, try not to put pressure on it even more. It is better to get rid of things that tighten the stomach and waist. Try not to bend over too much, try just squatting instead, bending your knees. And after eating, it is better not to lie down for at least half an hour, because the transition to a horizontal position also provokes the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.
There is also a theory that heartburn in pregnancy may develop as a rejection reaction to food, which has a potentially harmful effect on the baby growing in the stomach. Like it or not, it is quite reliably known that heartburn is aggravated by the food that causes the stomach to produce acids above the average level. Therefore, if the burning sensation bothers you too much, exclude coffee, sour and carbonated drinks, spicy pickled dishes and spices from your menu.
The same applies to all sour vegetables (especially tomatoes), berries and fruits, as well as various fermented milk products (except for hard cheese). Watch also for your own reaction to the following foods (it also leads to increased acidity, but not for everyone): fresh bread and any yeast products; fatty meats and fish; eggs. Hard boiled; fried food; too hot or cold food. And of course, try not to eat too much at night, when it is supposed to spend a lot of time lying down.

Remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnant women who are often exhausted by heartburn begin to take medications. Of course, before taking it, you should definitely consult a doctor who will help you choose harmless enveloping and astringent agents.

You need to be very careful when taking antacids - they neutralize acid, but the acidity of gastric juices is different for everyone, only special tests allow you to know for sure. Therefore, the best option would still be a diet.

If you have not yet switched to fractional nutrition, it's time to do it due to the appearance of heartburn. You need to eat in small portions, five to seven times a day, the last time - three hours before going to bed.
You can drink milk in small portions throughout the day. Aromatherapists advise adding a drop of fennel essential oil to it (attention, the oil must be natural, cheap synthetic oils can only do harm!).
As a means of enveloping and soothing the stomach, you can also drink various kissels or, in small quantities, freshly prepared potato juice.
Many pregnant women have noticed that heartburn recedes or suffers much less if you chew oatmeal, hazelnuts or almonds, grated carrots during the day.
Ginger often helps too - you can add it in powder form when cooking, or buy fresh ginger root and cut small pieces from it for chewing.
Do not forget that with heartburn it is better to sleep on your back. And so that the upper body was raised with pillows. If you really want to turn on your side - keep in mind that depending on the bend of the stomach on one side, heartburn is always felt stronger than on the other.
Finally, it helps with heartburn and such a useful principle for pregnancy in general: less stress and tension, more rest and relaxation!

Heartburn is a disease in which the contents of the stomach, along with hydrochloric acid, are thrown into the esophagus, and sometimes into the oral cavity.

It happens most of the time after eating. There may be symptoms such as burning pain behind the sternum and in the pit of the stomach, a sour taste in the mouth.

Heartburn during pregnancy occurs in every second woman. In some pregnant women, it appears in the first trimester, in others - later.

The situation is aggravated by the intake of certain dishes, as well as the amount eaten. Heartburn leads to the fact that in 8 out of 10 pregnant women, sleep and eating disorders gradually begin.

Reasons for the appearance

Why does heartburn occur during pregnancy? It appears due to the fact that the lower esophageal sphincter does not function fully and the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus.

Due to the fact that hydrochloric acid is necessary for the digestion of food, irritation of the mucous membrane and painful sensations occur.

A sour taste appears in the oral cavity, and painful sensations in the stomach area. During pregnancy, it can appear at different times: both at the initial stage of pregnancy and at the end.

But the most manifestations occur just shortly before childbirth. Sometimes even in pregnant women, burning causes insomnia.

Causes:

During pregnancy, there is a significant release of the hormone progesterone. Initially, this hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum, a little later - by the placenta. Another name is Pregnancy Hormone. What is it for? During pregnancy, this hormone contributes to the preservation of the smooth muscles of the uterus. But the “minus” of the hormone is that progesterone acts in exactly the same way on other muscles, for example, the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Between the stomach and the esophagus is a sphincter, which should close after food enters the stomach. It functions at the subconscious level, and it is consciously impossible to control its work. During pregnancy, progesterone helps to relax muscle tissue, and the sphincter does not close the passage completely. Because of this, unprocessed food, along with hydrochloric acid, returns to the stomach.
Weight gain. If during pregnancy a woman gained a few extra pounds, then in this case she not only overloads the spine, joints, heart, but also causes an increase in blood pressure in the abdominal cavity, and this is the reason for the appearance.
Mechanical squeeze. The larger the fetus during pregnancy, the more it puts pressure on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the bronchopulmonary system and the organs of the small pelvis. There is a change in the location of all internal organs. Due to the squeezing of the stomach, products and hydrochloric acid are thrown back into the esophagus.
The acidity of gastric juice increases due to the influence of hormones and heartburn intensifies.

Heartburn in pregnant women may appear less in the last month of pregnancy. The body at this time reduces the production of the hormone in connection with the preparation for childbirth.

The abdomen drops down and the pressure on the internal organs decreases.

But by following a number of simple rules and using traditional medicine, heartburn can be reduced even earlier.

Symptoms

During pregnancy, many diseases are exacerbated. If before pregnancy a woman was "tormented" by heartburn regularly, then during an increase in the fetus, the attacks of the disease will only be stronger.

In the first three months of pregnancy, heartburn is very rare. The exception is chronic illness.

The uterus is not particularly enlarged, the organs are in the required order, their location does not change. Vomiting and nausea may appear at this time, but the onset of heartburn occurs much later.

Most women during pregnancy note the presence of a burning sensation from the 20th week.

In the last three months of pregnancy, heartburn appears in almost every woman in varying degrees of intensity. The uterus has significantly increased in size, compresses the diaphragm and stomach.

Relief occurs before childbirth, when the stomach sank down. There is relief, heartburn disappears completely or significantly decreases.

Harm from heartburn during pregnancy

The presence of heartburn for pregnant women in no way affects the development of the fetus. But there are a number of effects on the body in which a woman may experience discomfort.

If heartburn attacks occur frequently, then this is the reason for refusing to eat or reducing portions.

You can reduce the acidity in the stomach with the help of a complete rejection of dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

But the "minus" is that these products are vital for a woman's health, especially during pregnancy. During pregnancy, both mother and baby need vitamins.

The appearance of heartburn also causes psychological discomfort, makes you change your usual lifestyle, causes insomnia, increases the amount of stress hormone in the blood and causes uterine hypertonicity. This can lead to premature birth.

Treatment

Why do pregnant women have heartburn and how to treat it? How can symptoms be relieved? Moreover, the use of pills can adversely affect the health of the baby.

When taking any medication, you should consult with your doctor. Well helps the use of traditional methods of medicine. You also need to follow a diet.

In some cases, with heartburn, even if it is strong, taking folk recipes along with a diet helps well.

Of the medicines for the treatment of heartburn, drugs called "non-absorbable antacids" are suitable.

They are able to absorb hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which envelops the walls of the stomach, and help to quickly eliminate the attack.

For example, these can be drugs such as Almagel, Talcid, Maalox. But taking additional medications is not recommended.

A side effect of these medications is constipation. The best medicines in this sense have shown themselves to be such drugs as Rennie. They not only eliminate heartburn, but also help to cope with nausea.

Why do most women refuse to take pills? It's because of the side effects. In this case, if heartburn torments, then it is necessary to use the methods of traditional medicine.

Many expectant mothers prefer to use soda. But this is not recommended. Soda promotes the release of carbonic acid, which provokes a second attack in a short time.

In addition, soda leads to a violation of the acid-base balance and the appearance of edema.

You can additionally use folk recipes. To do this, you need 1 teaspoon of heather, and pour 2 cups of hot water.

Put on a slow fire and boil for a few minutes. Take 100 grams before each meal.

Prolonged severe heartburn will stop if you use a small amount of powdered calamus root.

You can also take half a teaspoon of centaury herb. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. Pour the grass into glasses of hot boiled water and place in a dark, warm place.

The presence of heartburn cannot harm the child, but if this symptom is constant, then it is not necessary to endure it. If possible, it is necessary to do without drugs.

Pumpkin seeds, almonds, carrots, milk, and regular chewing gum help to quickly cope with heartburn.

Rules for eliminating the disease

Control weight. Extra pounds exacerbate the situation. It is necessary to control the amount of food eaten.
Food must be chewed thoroughly. This will help unload the stomach.
Add alkaline foods to your diet: Boiled poultry meat, vegetable oil, milk, white bread crackers.
Dinner should be light and take place no later than three hours before bedtime.
It is forbidden to lie down immediately after eating. It is advisable to walk around for a while or, in extreme cases, sit.
It is important to watch your posture. Slouching will increase the load on the stomach and thus heartburn can be avoided.
Clothing should be loose-fitting so as not to compress the abdominal organs.
When this symptom appears, you should always carry pumpkin seeds with you.

The expectant mother should remember one thing: that heartburn will not harm the health of her baby. You can eliminate the symptoms both at home and with the help of medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Useful video

Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common occurrence, and is associated with several reasons. Pregnant women suffer from heartburn no less than ordinary people. Symptoms are quite common: bitterness rises to the throat, and the chest is squeezed from unpleasant urges. Heartburn during pregnancy is associated with a change in the hormonal background of a woman. Usually the trouble makes itself felt after eating. The time of indisposition varies, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. It can be 2-3 minutes, but sometimes heartburn lasts more than one hour. Trouble tends to come back and remind of itself again.

It is a mistake to believe that heartburn does not bother pregnant women.

According to statistics, almost 80% of pregnant women suffer from symptoms of heartburn, with the vast majority of attacks occurring in the second half of the gestation period.

Sometimes heartburn makes it difficult to sleep. And it's all because of their symptoms. They look like this:

belching acid;
burning sensations in the stomach;
flatulence;
coughing fits;
rising nausea;
profuse salivation.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

The causes of heartburn are many, and they differ significantly from each other.

Hormonal failure - the body of a pregnant woman is forced to produce progesterone. The hormone smoothes and relaxes the peristalsis of the uterus to avoid spasms. In this case, there is a decrease in the tension of the walls of internal organs, including the stomach and esophagus. Under the influence of a general weakening, the sphincter ceases to delay incoming food, and it makes itself felt with the help of unpleasant sensations of heartburn.

Pressure inside the abdominal cavity - acts on the sphincter, preventing food from stopping.

Hormonal disorders - an excess of hormones affects the digestive tract. Food is digested in slow mode, not always keeping within the time frame familiar to the body. This leads to heartburn during pregnancy.

An increase in the uterus affects the stomach and intestines, and the resulting pressure provokes the release of gastric juice into the esophagus.

Another characteristic of hormonal failure is an increase in the acid composition of gastric juice. From this, the woman experiences the effects of heartburn.

As practice shows, heartburn does not harm either the mother's or the child's body. But at the same time, heartburn is the first manifestation of the instability of the digestive system. If you have the above symptoms, you should go to the hospital. The result may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract before bearing the fetus.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn makes itself felt at various periods of pregnancy. The timing also depends on how to fix the problem.

Early pregnancy + heartburn- This is evidence of a violation of the mother's diet. Often this is due to the consumption of fatty, fried or spicy foods. Many women in labor do not have time to eat properly, and engage in snacking. In the early stages of pregnancy, heartburn manifests itself in the form of a slight burning sensation. The maximum that can threaten a future mother is profuse vomiting and bouts of nausea.

Heartburn prevention rules are as follows:

no snacks at night;
thorough chewing of food, the exclusion of overeating;
inclusion in the diet of dairy and sour-milk products, fruits, vegetables and some meat;
produce heat treatment of food;
a ban on soda, caffeine and, of course, tobacco products;
taking a daily portion of liquid, and not during meals, but during free periods.

Mid pregnancy + heartburn- talking about overeating. The whole thing depends on the growth of the uterus and its pressure on the internal organs. There is a decrease in the level of digestion of food. Excess food leads to the inability of the body to digest nutrients. Overloading the stomach causes heartburn attacks.

The recipe is very simple: changing diet or cutting down on foods consumed during the day. Fractional nutrition or taking a course of medications will also help. In the second case, you can not do without consulting a doctor, because. the body of a pregnant woman is vulnerable to ailments.

Late pregnancy + heartburn- indicate the position of the gestating fetus. The baby's head can compress the diaphragm, causing the mother's body to undergo changes, including heartburn. As statistics show, malaise is observed in women in labor who are expecting not one, but two, three or more children at once.

The position of the body during sleep should be as follows: the upper shoulder girdle is higher than the legs. This is achieved through the use of pillows. The position prevents acid particles from entering the esophagus.
Do not rush to swallow food, eat it in small portions, at least 2 hours before going to bed.
Do not rest after meals. The maximum that can be done is lying on your left side, putting a pillow between your bent knees.
Don't wear overly tight clothes. It compresses the internal organs, creating a favorable environment for the formation of heartburn.
Keep your back straight, don't slouch. Curvature negatively affects the internal organs.
Oddly enough, chewing gum can help with heartburn. Due to chewing movements, an increased level of saliva is produced - this reduces the acidic environment. It is advisable to chew gum after meals, but not more than 1-2 times a week.
Buy a fruit called papaya from the grocery store. It helps reduce the risk of heartburn thanks to its miraculous enzymes. Substances tone the digestive tract, and then relax the stomach. It is not so important in what form you will use papaya, where its benefits for the body are more important.
Avoid irritation of the mucous membrane - exclude from your diet foods such as baked goods, fatty foods, too sour berries, tomatoes, ice cream and seasonings.

With the onset of the last months of gestation, the ability to eliminate heartburn disappears. But you can weaken its manifestation: stick to a diet or use medicines according to a doctor's prescription.

Medicines that you drank before conception can be harbingers of body irritation. Therefore, before buying funds, consult your doctor or obstetrician. Pregnant women may be given acid-neutralizing antacids. They are not absorbed into the blood and do not harm the unborn child. Antacids envelop the walls of the stomach, and become a counteracting shield against heartburn.

All drugs belong to one or another pharmacological group. They differ from each other, and are used exclusively for their intended purpose.

During pregnancy, women are prescribed a course of taking the following antacids:

Almagel- a long-acting drug. Responsible for acid environment. The tool does not include carbon dioxide, which means that the recurrence of hydrochloric acid is completely excluded. It is prescribed by a doctor when symptoms of heartburn are detected.

Maalox- has an adsorbing effect, tightly enveloping the walls of the stomach. The product eliminates excess acid and gas formation. The duration of Maalox is several hours, after which the effect resolves.

A separate link produces drugs based on antacids and protective gastritis action:

Rennie- Includes calcium and magnesium. Chemical elements are able to suppress hydrochloric acid by reacting with it. Based on the interaction, an aqueous composition, salts and gastric mucus are formed. The body acquires a protective shell. Rennie is taken in periods, tk. too much calcium can damage the cranium of the unborn baby.

Gaviscon- Available in tablets. It has an effect on the acid of the stomach, in parallel with this, forming a special composition. The resulting gel reduces the function of hydrochloric acid and suppresses the symptoms of burning in the stomach.

Drugs such as ranitidine and lansoprazole can also be noted. Their purpose is due to the ineffectiveness of the drugs described above. Heartburn is a phenomenon with its own symptoms. Homeopathic remedies are called upon to fight the manifestations of the disease. They eliminate spasms, flatulence and unpleasant taste sensations on the tongue.

Folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Medications during the period of gestation are a certain risk of aggravating the situation. An alternative to traditional medicine are folk remedies. Heartburn is included in the list of diseases that can be treated with folk recipes. The effectiveness of the funds will depend on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Use of soda- is one of the most popular ways to treat heartburn. However, soda has a side effect: when interacting with stomach acid, juice is produced. As a result, after a while, heartburn will again make itself felt. Carbon dioxide composition disrupts the acid-base metabolism in the body. This is a negative phenomenon for the unborn child and for the pregnant woman herself.

Starch and potato juice- have an enveloping effect on the walls of the stomach. Potatoes are able to eliminate foci of heartburn in the early stages. Starch is extracted from peeled potatoes. Juice should be consumed in small portions. This is an affordable and effective remedy for heartburn.

Milk- a tasty and healthy product against the disease. It is recommended to drink milk both in the morning and in the evening. You can also add fennel essential oil to the liquid. This will give the remedy real immunity against heartburn.

egg shell- Only a hard-boiled egg will do. The shell is crushed, and eaten at 0.5 teaspoon. It is advisable to take it 3 times a day, for a week. The shell is useful for the female body in the last trimester of gestation.

Seeds- another useful remedy of natural origin. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower fruits are used. The use consists in grinding the seeds with the help of thorough chewing. The product eliminates any manifestations of burning sensation.

Ginger or chamomile tea- A few cups are enough for 7 days. Drink tea according to all the rules, i.e. after meals.

heather infusion. Cooking method: take 30 grams of heather and fill it with 0.5 liters of water. Put the composition on the fire, then let it brew. Take 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before meals. Heather infusion will help to avoid unpleasant tickling and burning in the throat.

Water + activated carbon- relieves the burning effect in the chest.

Ordinary water, Borjomi or mineral water- tend to affect the digestive tract and eliminate congestion in the stomach.

Carrots, nuts or oatmeal- help with heartburn. They are used as natural gastric peristalsis stimulants.

Essential oils- they use immunomodulators and particles of activating internal organs. They affect the woman's breathing, the blood circulation of her body, as well as the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive system as a whole. As soon as you feel the first symptoms of heartburn, prepare an effective remedy: 1 tablespoon of grape oil, drops of essential oil and lemon juice. Start rubbing the resulting composition into the chest. Make slow movements in a circle, massaging the skin.

Heartburn is not quite familiar, but the phenomenon that accompanies the body of a pregnant woman. There is no harm from the manifestation of heartburn. This is just an external irritant for the expectant mother. Eliminating heartburn is quite simple. It is enough just to follow all the recommendations of the doctor, and not to allow the deterioration of the body. Having got rid of the disease, you can focus on the birth of a healthy baby.