Heartburn During Pregnancy Causes and Symptoms
A frequent cause of indigestion in pregnant women is heartburn during pregnancy. It typically manifests as a burning sensation in the thorax following a meal. A sour taste frequently accompanies this sensation and can extend to the throat. Generally, it is more severe when lying down or bending. Although it may cause discomfort, it is usually not life-threatening, and there are methods to alleviate its symptoms. An in-depth examination of the causes and symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy will provide a comprehensive understanding of this prevalent state.
Causes and Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is typically caused by gastric acid agitating the esophagus, the tube between the stomach and the mouth. Numerous factors contribute to the causes of heartburn during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations are one of them. Progesterone and other hormones increase during pregnancy. The hormone induces relaxation of the valve, which separates the stomach and esophagus, and reestablishes the reflux of stomach acid, which produces a burning sensation. Another factor is the physical changes. Causes of heartburn during pregnancy can be attributed to physiological changes. The expansion of the cervix during pregnancy can cause digestive complications. This pressure may cause heartburn by forcing gastric acid into the esophagus. The last factor that can cause heartburn is your diet. Certain foods and beverages can cause heartburn during pregnancy. Spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol are among these.
Symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy differ in pregnant women. A burning sensation is probably experienced in the chest, potentially manifesting in the esophagus and causing an unfavorable taste in the mouth. Other signs of heartburn during pregnancy may include chest pain. Frequent heartburn during pregnancy causes chest pain, which, when distressing, may occasionally be misinterpreted as angina (cardiovascular disease-related pain). If you have any doubts, consult a physician. Another symptom is regurgitation. It is the discharge of gastric contents, including acid, into the oral cavity. Persisting bitterness in the mouth can also be a symptom of heartburn. This characteristic may serve as an indicator of myocardial infarction. Discomfort with ingesting may be uncommon, but heartburn during pregnancy causes difficulty swallowing. The last symptom is begging or burping. It shows up as the sensation of food lodged in the esophagus. Heartburn in pregnancy at night is considered the most distressing experience for many pregnant women, as gastric acid can easily back up into the throat when they are lying down.
Foods that Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy
Certain foods may exacerbate the signs of heartburn in pregnancy. One of these foods that cause heartburn during pregnancy is spicy foods. Capsaicin in chilli peppers may cause respiratory irritation. Fatty foods may also cause heartburn. These foods cause slow digestion, prolonging the retention of stomach acid. Tomatoes and citrus fruits are also foods you should be careful while consuming, since these are foods that cause heartburn during pregnancy. These foods’ acidity may exacerbate cardiovascular disease. In addition to all these, chocolate also increases acidity by relaxing the progesterone-like lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Although commonly linked to digestive relief, peppermint may elevate the laryngeal spasm in some people, exacerbating reflux symptoms. Lastly, carbonated beverages and caffeine may cause throat irritation and increase gastric acid.
Relief for Heartburn During Pregnancy
There are lots of techniques that provide relief for heartburn during pregnancy. One of them is dietary modifications. Consume smaller meals throughout the day instead of large meals. It will not induce acid reflux through overeating. Slow eating also provides relief for heartburn. Consume food gradually and thoroughly to prevent heartburn during pregnancy. Avoid falling into a prone position immediately following a meal. Gravity may aid in the retention of gastric acid. Sleeping on your left side may also help with your condition. This position can assist in maintaining a healthy acid-base balance. If you want to relieve heartburn during pregnancy, wear loose-fitting pants. Constriction of the abdomen caused by clothing that fits snugly around the stomach can result in indigestion. If dietary and behavioral modifications don’t help, seek medical advice regarding pregnancy-preventing antacids.
Intense Heartburn During Pregnancy
Consult a physician if you develop intense heartburn during pregnancy. Your physician will administer a safe remedy and rule out the possibility that it indicates a more critical ailment. Each pregnancy is unique, and consequently, each manifests diverse symptoms. Without exception, if you are pregnant and concerned that you may suffer intense heartburn during pregnancy, you should consult a medical professional. One may receive recommendations for supportive treatments aimed at managing heartburn during pregnancy.
