What causes heartburn in pregnant women: why heartburn during pregnancy: causes and treatment

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

It happens in most, after eating. There may be symptoms such as burning pain behind the breastbone and under the spoon, 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 8 out of 10 pregnant women gradually develop sleep and eating disorders.

Reasons for the appearance

Why does heartburn appear 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 occurs.

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

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

Causes:

1. 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 helps to preserve the smooth muscles of the uterus. But the "minus" of the hormone is that progesterone acts in the same way on other muscles, for example, the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
   There is a sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus, which should close after food enters the stomach. It functions at the subconscious level, and it is impossible to consciously control its work. During pregnancy, progesterone helps to relax the muscle tissue, and the sphincter does not completely close the passage. Because of this, unprocessed food, along with hydrochloric acid, returns to the stomach.
2. 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 presence of a reason for appearance.
3. Mechanical squeezing. The larger the fetus during pregnancy, the more it presses on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the bronchopulmonary system and the pelvic organs. There is a change in the location of all internal organs. Due to the compression of the stomach, food and hydrochloric acid are thrown back into the esophagus.
4. The acidity of gastric juice increases due to the influence of hormones and heartburn increases.

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 at an earlier date.

Symptoms

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

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

The uterus is not particularly enlarged in size, the organs are in the required order, their location does not change. At this time, vomiting and nausea may appear, 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 different intensities. The uterus has significantly increased in size, compresses the diaphragm and stomach.

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

Heartburn Harm during Pregnancy

The presence of heartburn for pregnant women does not in any way affect 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 the portion.

You can lower the acidity in the stomach by completely rejecting fermented milk 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, is forced to change the usual way of life, is the cause of insomnia, increases the amount of stress hormone in the blood and causes hypertonicity of the uterus. This can cause premature birth.

Treatment

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

When taking any medication, you should consult with your doctor. The use of traditional methods of medicine helps well. It is also necessary to observe dietary food.

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

Of the medicines for treating heartburn, drugs called "nonabsorbable antacids" are suitable.

They are able to absorb hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which envelopes the stomach wall, and help quickly resolve an attack.

For example, it can be drugs such as Almagel, Talcid, Maalox. But taking other medications in addition is not recommended.

Constipation is a side effect of taking these drugs. The best drugs in this sense are drugs like Rennie. They not only eliminate heartburn, but also help cope with nausea.

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

Many mothers-to-be prefer to consume 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 low heat and simmer for a few minutes. Take 100 grams before each meal.

Long-term severe heartburn will stop if you consume 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 herb into glasses with hot boiled water and place in a dark, warm place.

The presence of heartburn cannot harm the child, but if this symptom is constantly present, then you do not need 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.

Disease elimination rules

1. Control your weight. Extra pounds exacerbate the situation. It is necessary to control the amount of food eaten.
2. Food must be chewed thoroughly. This will help relieve the stomach.
3. Add alkaline foods to your food: Boiled poultry, vegetable oil, milk, white bread croutons.
4. Dinner should be light and take place no later than three hours before bedtime.
5. It is forbidden to go to bed immediately after eating. It is advisable to walk for a while or, in extreme cases, sit.
6. It is important to monitor your posture. The slouching will increase the stress on the abdomen and thus heartburn can be avoided.
7. Clothing should be loose fitting so as not to squeeze the abdominal organs.
8. 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. Symptoms can be eliminated both at home and with the help of medications under the supervision of a doctor.

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