Heartburn is a common problem that women experience during pregnancy. Learn about the various symptoms, causes, and certain natural remedies for this health problem, through the following HerHaleness article.
A pregnant woman experiences a burning sensation in the chest and the throat, and may also have an acidic taste in her mouth, anytime during the entire course of her pregnancy. It is also called acid reflux, which extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. Sometimes, an expectant woman experiences heartburn for the first time in her life, during pregnancy and hence, may find it a little uncomfortable. Therefore, the following section talks about the symptoms of this health condition, which might help you identify the problem and take proper treatment.
Symptoms
- Nauseated feeling and vomiting
- Mild or severe chest pain along with the burning sensation
- Bitter taste
- There could be loss of appetite, due to constant nauseated feeling, or even due to the sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
- Towards the final stages of pregnancy, the symptoms start showing again, as the baby completes his/her growth and starts exerting more pressure on the stomach area leading to increased feeling of acidity.
Causes
A pregnant woman suffers from heartburn, mainly during the first trimester. The condition starts getting worse when she reaches her second and third trimester. There are several causes of this condition, which have been mentioned below:
- The level of hormones in the body increases and hence, it softens the ligaments, which are responsible for keeping the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed. Now, if the LES, closes at the time when the expectant mother has just eaten something, then the acid from the food, along with the stomach acid, moves back to the esophagus and the throat.
- As mentioned earlier, the mother also experiences some pressure on the stomach, as the baby grows. This again pushes the acid from the food and the stomach through the LES, into the esophagus, which causes heartburn.
- Also, ingestion of food and drinks that cause the LES to relax, may also lead to the recurrence of acid reflux. Hence, a pregnant woman has to strictly follow a healthy diet regularly.
Treatments
The first thing that one should do when a pregnant woman suffers from heartburn is to take her to the doctor. There are some natural remedies for treating acid reflux in pregnant women. Cold milk or yogurt can be given for instant relief. Fresh fruits and vegetables, or maybe their juices, are good remedies to find relief immediately. Coconut water is also a natural remedy for heartburn. Do not give acidic foods or foods that contain too much oil or fat, which can lead to acidity. It is also important to avoid caffeine to prevent acid reflux while pregnant.
Along with the above remedies, consult your doctor for appropriate medical treatment, in case, the problem of indigestion persists for a very long time. Also, maintain a healthy diet and an exercise routine recommended by your health care professional.