To control heartburn during pregnancy, eat smaller meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, elevate your head while sleeping, and drink fluids between meals rather than during them.

If symptoms persist, antacids approved by your doctor may help. Heartburn is a common but uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy, often caused by hormonal and physical changes. Heartburn in pregnancy is common and often linked to rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

hCG doesn’t directly cause heartburn but may worsen it by triggering nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Understanding the connection can help you manage heartburn more effectively. Also, know when to seek medical advice to keep Heartburn in check throughout your pregnancy.

When does heartburn get worse in pregnancy?

You can experience heartburn at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in the third trimester. This is when the uterus is at its largest and places the most pressure on the stomach.

As pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of experiencing heartburn increases. It often becomes more frequent and more uncomfortable as the due date approaches.

What are the symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy?

Heartburn symptoms mostly show up within 30 minutes to 01 hours after having your meal. 

Some common symptoms of Heartburn during pregnancy may include:

• A burning feeling in the chest might rise through the throat
• Feeling bloated
• Regurgitating
• A sour or bitter taste in the back of your throat
• Frequent burping

What are the ways to control heartburn in pregnancy?

Here are some easy ways which can help you to control Heartburn during pregnancy:

Watch what you eat

• You should know that acidic and spicy foods can make more acid in your stomach.
• Avoid having citrus, garlic, tomatoes, chocolates, sodas, onions, caffeine and other acidic foods.
• Also, stay away from fried or fatty foods, as they can slow down your digestion.

Always wear loose-fitting clothes

• Make sure you strictly avoid wearing Spanx and other garments which create pressure around your midsection.
• It is better to wear stretchy and comfortable clothes to make yourself feel relaxed.

Have frequent small meals

• Have frequent small meals instead of just three meals a day, as this will avoid pressure on the stomach and allow it to empty quickly.

Sit straight when you eat

• It is important to sit straight while eating as this helps your food to digest easily.
• Avoid having food within three hours of going to bed
• You should give digestion a head start before sleeping.
• Having food within three hours of going to bed can slow the emptying of your stomach.
• Avoiding the food within three hours of going to bed will control your heartburn.

Do not smoke

• There are several reasons why you should not smoke during pregnancy, and Heartburn is one of them.
• Chemicals present in cigarettes cause the valve that keeps stomach contents down to relax.
• This further allows acids and undigested foods to squish upward and continue their work.

Drink after meals, not with them

• You should not drink liquids along with food as this can create an overfull and sloshy stomach, causing heartburn problems.

Talk to a doctor about heartburn medicines

• Over-the-counter medicines are generally safe to use during pregnancy.
• Use of Antacids can help deactivate acid present in your stomach and relieve the burning sensation.
• But, Before taking any OTC drug for heartburn during pregnancy, make sure to consult your doctor. 

Final thoughts

Heartburn during pregnancy is generally common and an uncomfortable condition. 

However, certain lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods, eating small meals, and having OTC medicines after a doctor’s prescription, can help to control Heartburn during pregnancy.

FAQs related to heartburn during pregnancy

• How do you reduce heartburn during pregnancy? Eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid lying down after eating. Also, limit spicy, fatty, and acidic foods and avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks. Elevating your head while sleeping can help you reduce heartburn during pregnancy. Moreover, talk to your doctor about safe antacids or home remedies for relief during pregnancy.
• Which foods cause heartburn during pregnancy? Common triggers for heartburn include large meals, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, citrus juices, caffeine, and alcohol. These can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter or increase acid production. In response, it leads to heartburn, especially in pregnancy.
• Is milk good for heartburn? Low-fat or non-fat milk may offer short-term relief of heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. However, full-fat dairy can worsen symptoms in some people. It can stimulate acid production, so it’s not a reliable long-term remedy for heartburn.
• What causes heartburn in pregnancy? Hormonal changes, especially increased progesterone, relax the lower oesophageal sphincter. The growing uterus also presses against the stomach, pushing acid into the oesophagus and causing heartburn. Thus, If you’re using HCG products to support fertility it’s helpful to know how this hormone may affect digestion.
• Does heartburn go away when the baby drops? Yes, heartburn may improve when the baby drops. It reduces pressure on the stomach, easing acid reflux and increasing appetite as the baby moves lower into the pelvis.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.