Why does heartburn occur during pregnancy?

Where does heartburn in pregnancy come from?

Heartburn, specifically gastroesophageal reflux, is a common condition among pregnant women. It is experienced by up to 2/3 of all pregnant women. This is related to, among other things. With an increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy. An analogous situation also exists in II. phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and during pregnancy also by the placenta. It is responsible for, among other things. for relaxing and reducing smooth muscle tension, thereby preventing possible preterm labor. However, progesterone also acts on other muscles in a pregnant woman’s body, such as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Physiologically, this muscle, being at rest, is constantly tense, so that there is no backflow of food content from the stomach into the esophagus. High levels of progesterone, on the other hand, cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, leading to reflux symptoms.

The feeling of heartburn is the result of backflow of acidic gastric contents into the lower esophagus. It can also be triggered by factors other than an increase in progesterone. This is because during pregnancy the position of the stomach changes due to the increasing size of the uterus. In addition, gastrointestinal peristalsis slows down. Intra-abdominal pressure also increases, which can also contribute to reflux.

Zgaga as a symptom of pregnancy

A distinction is made between certain, probable and presumptive symptoms of pregnancy. Some symptoms include. examination by a gynecologist of fetal heart function. However, other symptoms that do not give 100% certainty of being pregnant include, for example, a positive pregnancy test, an enlarged abdominal circumference or breast tenderness. One of the symptoms that women often notice at the beginning of pregnancy is also heartburn. Its formation in early pregnancy is associated with an increase in progesterone, which, as we mentioned earlier, also occurs physiologically during II. phases of the menstrual cycle. For this reason, the presence of pregnancy cannot be presumed on the basis of this one symptom alone, since there are many more reasons for the symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux.

Heartburn in pregnancy- treatment

During pregnancy, you should avoid taking medications without consulting your doctor. Many of them are not allowed during this period due to negative or unknown effects on the developing fetus. For intractable heartburn, the most commonly recommended medications include. Calcium or magnesium carbonate. Their action is to neutralize (neutralize) the acidic content present in the stomach. This makes the unpleasant symptom of burning behind the sternum and backflow of food content into the esophagus much less severe.

Heartburn in pregnancy- home remedies

There are also many home remedies to combat heartburn, which mothers-to-be are eager to use if the discomfort is not so severe that medication is necessary. Many pregnant women are helped by drinking milk, kefir or still water. Among the recommended products are also almonds, which can neutralize the unpleasant aftertaste. It’s also better to go for vegetable juices, such as those made from carrots, rather than acidic ones made from citrus fruits. Heartburn symptoms can also be exacerbated by drinking coffee and strong black tea, so it is better to replace them with other beverages.

Heartburn in pregnancy- how to prevent it?

Very important in the prevention of heartburn, but also frequent in pregnancy- constipation, is a proper, well-balanced diet for the mother-to-be. Pregnant women suffering from gastrointestinal complaints should definitely avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods. Nutritionists point out that meals during pregnancy should be smaller, but more frequent. In addition, cravings that occur during pregnancy, as well as eating before bed, play a significant role in exacerbating heartburn symptoms. If the discomfort also accompanies the mother-to-be at night, it is best, in addition to giving up evening snacking, to change the sleeping position from lying down to semi-sitting.

It is important to observe your body and try to exclude products after which you feel worse. If heartburn nevertheless impedes daily functioning, it is worthwhile to consult a doctor, who will suggest an appropriate and, importantly, safe course of action for the mother-to-be. The good news is that most likely the unpleasant discomfort will pass after delivery.