There may be a lot of women who will experience heartburn in pregnancy. Even if a woman has never experienced heartburn ever in her life, it may suddenly rear its ugly head during her pregnancy. The burning sensation that one gets in the chest and in the throat and the sour, acidic taste in one’s mouth are symptoms that may become all too familiar when a woman is expecting a baby. Why?

Heartburn in pregnancy may take place for a number of different reasons. There are naturally increased levels of hormones in a woman’s body when she is pregnant. These higher levels of hormones can help soften the ligaments that are responsible for keeping the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) tightly closed. When the LES relaxes when it should normally be closed, food along with stomach acids will more than likely back up into your esophagus and then move into your throat. More pressure is placed on your stomach as your body makes many changes during pregnancy and as your baby grows.

All of this can force the contents of your stomach through the LES and up into your esophagus.

Even though you many not be able to complete eliminate your heartburn during pregnancy, here are some steps that you can take that will make you more comfortable:

  • Stay away from foods that you know to cause your heartburn symptoms. These can be identified by the use of a food diary.
  • Avoid beverages that have a lot of caffeine such as tea and coffee as these can possibly cause the LES to relax and allow acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
  • Avoid the uses of alcohol. You should try to do this for the sake of the baby as well as to avoid heartburn.
  • Instead of eating big meals, try to eat several smaller ones throughout the day.
  • Do not rush while eating like you were going to a house on fire! Take your time and remember to chew each mouthful 25 times before swallowing.
  • Try to avoid eating near to bedtime.
  • You may want to try elevating the head of your bed several inches or you should, at the very least, sleep with your head propped up with pillows. This will make sure that your stomach acids will remain in your stomach and not creep up into your esophagus.
  • Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable. Try to avoid wearing anything tight around your stomach and waist.
  • Make sure you check with your physician before you take any kind of over-the-counter medications during your pregnancy. Your doctor will know which medications or antacids are safe to take during this time. Never take any kind of treatments without first consulting you doctor

Heartburn in pregnancy may just be one of those nuisances you have to put up with during this particular time of your life. You probably will find that once you deliver your baby, the heartburn may more than likely disappear.