It is quite common for women to experience heartburn in pregnancy. There is due to a couple of reasons.

Firstly, during pregnancy a hormone called progesterone is produced by the placenta to relax the muscles of the uterus. Unfortunately, it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. As this relaxes and opens up, it allows acids to reflux back up into the esophagus causing that burning sensation. Progesterone also reduces the contractions of your esophagus and intestines, slowing down food digestion.

Secondly, in later stages of pregnancy as the baby grows it creates pressure on the stomach, which in turn puts pressure on the LES, allowing it to open and let acids back up into the esophagus.

So what remedies are there for heartburn for pregnant women?

Some over-the-counter heartburn medications are considered to be safe to take while pregnant, although you should always consult your doctor first.
Stronger OTC medications that contain ingredients like famotidine, domperidone and cimetidine should be avoided and excessive use of antacids may limit your body’s ability to absorb iron, which can lead to anemia.

Most women tend to prefer a natural approach to heartburn relief while pregnant.

Here are some tips to relieve heartburn for pregnant women.

Don’t eat heartburn trigger foods – such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, vinegar, and spicy, fried or fatty foods. Avoiding these gives relief, not just for heartburn for pregnant women, but for heartburn sufferers in general. See foods to avoid with reflux.

For good alternatives read these sections
Heartburn Good Foods
Heartburn Home Remedies
Herbal Teas – Heartburn Home Remedies
Heartburn No More

To help with digestion, avoid large meals, instead opt for smaller meals throughout the day, take your time with them and chew thoroughly.

Don’t drink large amounts of fluids during meals as this can bloat your stomach putting more pressure on your LES forcing it open. Although you should keep yourself well hydrated during pregnancy, drink fluids between meals instead.

Try chewing peppermint-free gum after eating. Chewing gum stimulates saliva which will help neutralize acid.

Give your food two to three hours to digest before you lie down.

Don’t smoke. Apart from the obvious reasons while pregnant, smoking relaxes the LES and allows stomach acids to reflux back up into the esophagus.

When bending down, bend at the knees instead of at the waist to avoid putting extra pressure on your stomach and the LES.

When sitting, lean forward slightly, rather than lounging back on a sofa. Find a comfortable chair to sit upright in.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce pressure on your stomach as much as possible.

Sleep with your head and shoulders slightly raised. Try using a wedge pillow to prop yourself up six to eight inches. This angle will allow gravity to stop acids flowing back up in to the esophagus (again this offers relief, not just for heartburn for pregnant women, but for all heartburn sufferers).

Gain the suggested amount of weight within the guidelines of your doctor. Too much weight puts more pressure on your stomach forcing acids back through the LES.

We hope these tips will help relieve your heartburn. If you are still suffering persistent, severe heartburn, please consult you doctor before taking any medications.

Be Prepared, check out our advice on Baby Acid Reflux.

Advice on Heartburn for Pregnant Women – posted by reflux