The pregnancy symptoms are highly unpredictable from women to women. Is heartburn an early sign of pregnancy? Even in the same women, the pregnancy signs vary from the first time of conceiving to the second. Out of avalanche of discomforts, gaining weight, digestive differences like heartburn are a few. Heartburn during early pregnancy is a common issue. The change in the hormones is the culprit for the troubles like nausea and tiredness. 

If you are facing heartburn in the early stages of pregnancy, here are few ways to ease the discomfort. 

Is Heart Burn An Early Sign Of Pregnancy?

Suddenly if you are feeling the burning sensation while you bend, the reason could be your missed periods. Yes, experts claim heartburn as an early sign of pregnancy. Stop blaming the changed recipes or the food you had. 

Get to know the doctor’s opinion if the symptoms of heartburn are increasing. Try avoiding citrus foods to feel better. 

What Causes Heart Burn 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. 

What Are The Signs Of Heart Burn During Pregnancy?

  • 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. 
  • Uneasiness In Chest: Are you feeling uncomfortable after lying down or bending for some need? Then this uneasiness in the chest is a warning sign for heartburn.
  • Chest Pain: Feeling chest pain while bending over, lying down, or just after a meal.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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.

  • Go With Portion Control: Instead of having three tummy-filling meals, try to consume small portions. 
  • 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.
  • Know When To Drink Water: Taking water with meals increases the chances of heartburn. Do remember to drink water between the meals.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Magic Of Chewing Gum: Try using chewing gum after the meal. The bicarbonate in the saliva helps in neutralizing the acid.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking increases reflux. So, this is also a reason to avoid smoking during pregnancy.
  • Sleep To Your Left: Heartburn is caused by the acid entering the esophagus. One can avoid this by sleeping to your left. 
  • Emptier The Stomach, Better: Don’t drink much water while going to sleep. Allow the stomach to be as empty as possible to avoid acid reflux.
  • Art Of Acupuncture: Give acupunctures a try if you are not able to control with foods and healthy habits.

Medications For Heartburn During Pregnancy:

Is Heartburn an early sign of pregnancy is a common concern among women. As the answer is it can be, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any medication. Usually, antacids that are safer during pregnancy are suggested. Don’t skip on your calcium tablets as they help relieve the symptoms of the heartburn. Medications controlling acid production like H2 blockers and mild antacids are recommended. 

Before medicines make some lifestyle changes like:

  • Avoiding sleep immediately after eating
  • Consider sitting in a recliner chair when you sit and relax for a longer time.
  • Lying on the left side while sleeping decreases the odds of acid reflux because this position is tricky for the acid to reflux into the esophagus.
  • Have a meal at least two hours before sleeping. The emptier the stomach at bedtime, the chances are significantly low to get heartburn.
  • Chewing gum is another tip to tackle heartburn. While chewing gum more saliva is produced which in turn neutralizes the acid that reflux into the esophagus.

If your body is no responding well to antacids, get the medicines from your doctor, and keep them handy. Pregnant women take Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta, and Tums. Ensure you are taking the right dosage to have a safe pregnancy. 

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. 
  • Track your weight and eat in small portions. To avoid bloating, have six small meals.
  • Prevent eating and drinking at the same time. 
  • Skip smoking and keep your head upright while eating as the gastric fluids don’t back up. 

Conclusion:

Now you know is heartburn an early sign of pregnancy. Heartburn is frequent in many people. This is because of acid reflux in the esophagus. In the first and later stages of pregnancy, heartburn is a common discomfort. However, it is cured with slight changes in lifestyle and diet. Doctors also suggest few medications if things are not under control. Heartburn is an early sign of pregnancy as well, so consult the doctor if you missed your periods and considered weight gain.