Is Heartburn an Early Sign of Pregnancy?

What Are the Signs of Heartburn During Pregnancy?

1. Burning in Chest

Are you struggling with burning in the chest right after eating and feeling difficulty for a couple of hours? Then this is a symptom of heartburn.

2. Chest Pain

Feeling chest pain while bending over, lying down, or just after a meal.

3. Burning Sensation in Throat

The acids might cause a sour taste in the mouth. You may taste hot, sour, or salty fluid at the back of the throat.

4. The Other Signs Include

• Chronic coughing and belching.
• Sudden development of wheezing and asthma sort of shortness of breath.
• Feeling bloated often and belching a lot are few signs to consider.

What Causes Heartburn During Early Stage of Pregnancy?

There are different reasons for heartburn, which is also called as acid indigestion.

• The change in hormones creates a feeling of burning in the esophagus.
• While heartburn is frequent in the first trimester for few, the other set of women feels the trouble in the second and third trimester.
• The increase in the uterus size pushes the acids of the abdomen resulting in heartburn.
• If you are having issues with gallstones, then this could also cause heartburn. Get a doctor’s opinion and relieve yourself from heartburn.
• Pregnancy brings in massive changes. As a result, the valve amidst the stomach and esophagus relaxes, causing acids to splash back up.

Home Remedies For Heartburn During Early Pregnancy

Here are some simple changes to your diet and eating habits that relieve you from heartburn during pregnancy.

1. Go With Portion Control

Instead of having three tummy-filling meals, try to consume small portions.

2. Foods to Avoid

Having foods rich in fat, spicy, and citrus foods. Also, avoid foods like chocolates, carbonated drinks, alcohol, fat, and citrus fruits are safer to avoid.

[Read : 12 Indian Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy]

3. Know When to Drink Water

Taking water with meals increases the chances of heartburn. Do remember to drink water between the meals.

4. Change Your Sleeping Patterns

Sleeping immediately after taking food. If you must, ensure to keep your shoulders and head above the rest of the body.

5. Love the Loose Fit Clothes

Don’t give chances for pressure on the stomach. Wear cotton and lose clothes to reduce the chances of suffering from heartburn.

6. The Magic of Chewing Gum

Try using chewing gum after the meal. The bicarbonate in the saliva helps in neutralizing the acid.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking increases reflux. So, this is also a reason to avoid smoking during pregnancy.

8. Sleep to Your Left

Heartburn is caused by the acid entering the esophagus. One can avoid this by sleeping to your left.

9. Emptier the Stomach, the Better

Don’t drink much water while going to sleep. Allow the stomach to be as empty as possible to avoid acid reflux.

10. Art of Acupuncture

Give acupuncture a try if you are not able to control with foods and healthy habits.

[Read : Natural Remedies For Heartburn During Pregnancy]

Medications For Heartburn During Pregnancy

Usually, antacids that are considered safe during pregnancy are suggested by doctors. Don’t skip on your calcium tablets as they help relieve the symptoms of heartburn.

If your body is not responding well to antacids, it’s better to inform the doctor about it so they can suggest some other medicines.

Preventive Measures For Heartburn During Pregnancy

No one knows your body better than you. Keep track of foods triggering heartburn. Try to avoid them as much as you can. Stay away from carbonated drinks and consuming caffeine.

Heartburn is an early sign of pregnancy, which is caused because of acid reflux in the esophagus. However, it can be cured with slight changes in diet and the medicines suggested by doctors.

[Read : How Safe Is To Take Antacids During Pregnancy?]

FAQ’s

1. Will Heartburn Last Throughout the Pregnancy?

Not necessarily. As your pregnancy develops, your body undergoes a lot of changes. The heartburn can stay or go away anytime.

2. Can I Take Antacids For My Heartburn?

Yes, some antacids are considered safe during pregnancy. You can take them if your doctor prescribes it. Never take any medicines without consulting your doctor.

3. Will Heartburn Affect My Unborn Child?

Heartburn is experienced in your digestive system. It will not have any effect on the baby, unless you are cutting back on food and nutrition. This will reduce the nutrition that reaches your child.

4. Does Heartburn Indicate My Child is Hairy?

This is just a myth. Heartburns are caused due to the stomach acids coming back up. This happens when your esophageal sphincter relaxed due to increased estrogen. Since estrogen is kinked with hair growth, many believe the baby can be hairy.

Read Also: Is Diarrhea An Early Sign Of Pregnancy