What Really Helps

Your Burning Problem During Pregnancy

Your esophagus is burning, and you constantly need to burp? Heartburn during pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable. We reveal what helps against it.

What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy complaints, particularly increasing in the second half of pregnancy. For many pregnant women, it is the first time in their lives that they are dealing with this uncomfortable burning sensation in the esophagus and rising stomach acid. So what to do? We will tell you about the causes, symptoms, and various remedies available for treatment.

The Causes of Heartburn

The annoying burning sensation is caused by the interplay of hormones and lack of space in the abdomen. At the beginning of pregnancy, the level of pregnancy hormones—especially progesterone—rises significantly. Progesterone not only relaxes the muscles of the uterus but also the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle at the entrance of the stomach. Normally, this muscle prevents stomach contents from rising into the esophagus. When it relaxes, stomach acid can more easily rise—resulting in the typical burning sensation.

As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows larger and presses down on the stomach. This increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, making it even easier for stomach contents to be pushed upward. At the same time, digestion slows down because hormones relax the entire digestive tract. All these factors combined make heartburn particularly common from the second trimester onward. Good to know: While this is uncomfortable for you, it is harmless for your baby.

Typical Complaints Associated with Heartburn

Typical complaints of heartburn during pregnancy manifest mainly in the chest and throat area and are new for many women. Most commonly, you will feel a burning sensation behind the breastbone that sometimes radiates up to the throat or pharynx. Often, there is also sour regurgitation or a bitter taste in the mouth. Some pregnant women also report a feeling of pressure or fullness in the upper abdomen, mild swallowing difficulties, nausea, or even a cough, especially at night. Symptoms usually occur after eating, when bending over, or while lying down, i.e., whenever stomach acid can more easily flow back into the esophagus.

By the way: For most women, heartburn disappears on its own after giving birth, once the pressure on the stomach decreases and hormone levels drop. However, some may experience it temporarily during breastfeeding.

What Helps Against the Annoying Burning Sensation in the Esophagus?

You don’t have to simply endure heartburn during pregnancy. With small changes in your daily routine and diet, you can often significantly alleviate the discomfort. And if that’s not enough, there are safe medications and remedies available for pregnant and breastfeeding women that you can check on the Embryotox website.

Tips and Home Remedies:

• Eat smaller meals: Several small portions are easier to digest than a few large ones.
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: This relieves the stomach and reduces acid production.
• Stay upright after eating: Don’t lie down immediately; instead, take a short walk.
• Avoid eating too late: Make sure you don’t have your last meal too late. This way, you can also rest better at night.
• Elevate your upper body while sleeping: For example, with a wedge or nursing pillow.
• Wear loose clothing: No pressure on the belly.
• Try home remedies: Many pregnant women find a glass of milk, a few spoons of natural yogurt, oatmeal, potato juice, healing clay, or a ripe banana soothing for the stomach.

Medications:

If nothing really helps and you are suffering, medications are another option you can discuss with your doctor. Some over-the-counter medications can be effective in the right dosage and safe for you and your baby, such as so-called antacids, acid inhibitors that buffer stomach acid. Alginates can also help because they form a protective film over the stomach contents. In cases of severe complaints, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole if the benefits outweigh the risks. Important: Always obtain medical consent beforehand and consult your pharmacist on the correct use of the respective medication.

What Can I Eat and Drink with Heartburn?

While there is no strict list of forbidden foods for heartburn during pregnancy, certain foods and drinks are considered particularly "heartburn-friendly" or "heartburn-inducing." If you experiment a bit, you will quickly find out what works well for you personally.

You should generally avoid: Very fatty or fried foods, spicy dishes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, chocolate, sweets, carbonated drinks, and coffee. These foods can stimulate stomach acid production or further relax the sphincter at the entrance of the stomach, exacerbating heartburn.

Foods that are often well-tolerated include: Light, low-fat dishes that are gently cooked, steamed, or boiled. Oatmeal, potatoes, natural yogurt, milk, bananas, and pears are considered mild and can bind stomach acid. Still water and gentle herbal teas like chamomile, fennel, or lemon balm are also pleasant for many pregnant women.

Keeping a small food diary can be helpful. This way, you can quickly identify your personal triggers and respond specifically instead of eliminating everything on suspicion. Often, heartburn can be noticeably alleviated with small changes in eating and drinking.

What Measures Prevent Heartburn?

Most tips for relief also work preventively. Several small meals instead of fewer large portions, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, maintaining an upright posture after eating, and slightly elevating the upper body while sleeping can help prevent heartburn from occurring at all. Additionally, avoid smoking and alcohol—this is recommended during pregnancy anyway and also reduces the reflux of stomach acid. Most importantly, it’s essential to know your individual triggers and avoid them.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Heartburn during pregnancy is usually harmless. However, consult a doctor if the symptoms are very severe, worsen despite adjustments, or if you have difficulty swallowing. Also, seek medical advice if you experience vomiting blood or black stools. Your doctor can assess whether there is more to your symptoms and prescribe a suitable pregnancy-safe medication if necessary.

Heartburn during pregnancy is widespread and harmless to your baby, but uncomfortable for you. With small changes in your eating, drinking, and daily routine, you can usually alleviate the discomfort well and even prevent it. And if it does become too much, speak openly with your gynecologist.