HEARTBURN AND PREGNANCY
More than half of all pregnant women report symptoms of severe heartburn, usually during the second and third trimesters. Heartburn during pregnancy may be caused by fluctuating hormone levels, which can have an effect on the muscles of the digestive tract and how your body tolerates different foods.
Pregnancy hormones can cause muscles throughout the body to relax, in order to accommodate the growing fetus. This muscle relaxation can also cause the valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax, allowing stomach acid to leak into your esophagus, which is why you might be experiencing heartburn more frequently than usual.
HEARTBURN PREVENTION IN PREGNANCY
Eating several small meals per day instead of three large ones can help your body digest food more easily.
Avoiding fried, spicy, or overly fatty foods can minimize the occurrence of heartburn symptoms.
Drinking less while eating, not laying down immediately after a meal, and taking a walk after eating can help reduce the risk of experiencing heartburn.
If symptoms persist, talk to your health care provider to see if any Gaviscon® antacid products can help you during pregnancy.
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