Heartburn: You’re pregnant and exhausted, but when you finally get to lay down at the end of the day, that dreaded burning sensation begins, threatening to ruin yet another night of sleep. What is it? Why is this happening? How can you make it stop? 

Heartburn is unfortunately a very frequent complaint during pregnancy. It more often occurs in the second and third trimester (though it could happen at any point in pregnancy) and it is NOT fun. Most experience heartburn as a sensation of burning in the center of your chest, and the burning tends to move upward into the throat. This discomfort occurs when stomach acid is released into the esophagus. So why does this happen so often in pregnancy?  Experts contribute it to a few things going on in your body: 

1. Increase in hormones,particularly progesterone. Progesterone causes the esophageal valve to relax, allowing stomach acid back into the esophagus. 

2. Increased gastric acid production. 

3. Slower digestion, also due to progesterone, causing food to remain in the stomach longer. 

4. Decreased gastric motility. This means that the gallbladder empties more lazily after meals throughout pregnancy. 

There is nothing you can do about the hormones going on, but there are other things you can try to minimize or eliminate heartburn. 

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Since the body is digesting more slowly, it might be wise to avoid large meals and opt for 5-6 small meals throughout the day. 

2. Avoid greasy, spicy, and fatty food. Although these foods can taste so good in the moment, you might pay for it after as they are known culprits in heartburn discomfort.

3. Wait at least an hour after eating before lying down to allow for proper digestion. 

4. Incline the head of your bed slightly. 

5. Finish each meal with cucumbers, spinach, or broccoli. It might not be what you are craving, but these vegetables are known to help neutralize stomach acid. 

Hopefully the change in diet and lifestyle will do the trick, but if it doesn’t cut it, don’t lose heart! You might consider talking with your provider about the following:

1. Papaya tablets (unless you have a latex allergy) as it is known to help with digestion. 

2. Bromelain tablets before meals, as it is also used to help with digestion. 

3. Antacid tablets (such as tums). These can help if you have a mild case of heartburn. It is not recommended if you are needing to take several each day. 

4. A stronger antacid pill (such as Zantac) that you would take once per day. 

Our bodies go through so much change during pregnancy, which can often be accompanied by discomforts as well. Heartburn is another one of those things that is just NOT a fun aspect of pregnancy. However, it is typically normal and should stop altogether once you have that beautiful baby.

Blog Written By: Lauren Steinke; Birth & Postpartum Doula