Acidity in pregnancy
Meet the causes of heartburn in pregnancy and learn to prevent it. Characterized as a sensation of a burn that goes from the throat to the stomach and a discomfort that makes feeding difficult, the acidity in pregnancy, heartburn or heartburn in pregnancy is one of the most common discomforts in this period.
Even women who never had the problem before becoming pregnant may experience the symptom at some point, usually at the beginning and at the end of the gestation period.
As in many other cases of problems with pregnancy, the causes of heartburn are related to hormonal changes and inevitable changes in the mother's body as the baby grows and develops.
The good news is that it is possible to reduce the problem with some simple changes of habit. The bad news is that at first it is annoying, especially if it's the first time you're pregnant.
Why does heartburn happen in pregnancy?
The pregnant woman may present heartburn generally for two main and common reasons, these cause the appearance of heartburn in pregnancy: hormonal changes and stomach growth.
Hormone action
During pregnancy there is an increase in the production of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the musculature of the uterus to allow its expansion and behave the growth of the baby.
The problem is that it also acts on the muscles of the stomach, loosening the valve that controls the entry of food into the digestive system and prevents reflux of the stomach into the esophagus.
With this failure of control, the stomach acids end up going up into the throat, causing the sensation of burning and bitterness in the mouth. Stomach muscle relaxation also slows digestion, promoting discomfort and nausea.
Belly growth
With the growth of the baby and the increase of the uterus, all the organs of the abdominal cavity are pushed upwards.
With this, the stomach and intestines are compressed, delaying digestion and reducing the stomach capacity to keep the acids inside, favoring gastroesophageal reflux and burning in general.
Is heartburn normal in pregnancy?
how long is it normal to have heartburn during pregnancy? Acidity usually appears in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, although some pregnant women may have the problem at the beginning, along with nausea and nausea in the first trimester. This is a symptom that goes back and forth throughout the pregnancy and that does not completely resolve until after the birth of the baby.
Is heartburn harmful to the baby?
No. Heartburn does not endanger the health and development of the baby, but it is another great discomfort for mom. It can be problematic if it prevents adequate feeding of the pregnant woman, causing weight loss.
Can I take medicine for heartburn?
All medication should be avoided during pregnancy and pregnancy should never be self-medicated. If your heartburn is very strong, talk to your obstetrician! Only he can indicate a safe remedy or antacid for his health and that of his baby.
But remember, if you are taking ferrous sulfate, you should take the antacid at different times so as not to compromise the absorption of iron.
When can heartburn signal something more serious?
Acidity alone does not bring risks. However, when it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to talk with your doctor to rule out other more worrisome problems.
Heartburn with intense pain - may be a sign of gastritis, ulcer or other digestive problems unrelated to pregnancy.
Pain below the ribs can be sign of preeclampsia. Heartburn is always in the stomach, with a pain that can pass through the chest to the throat.
Pain in the right side and upper belly, especially if accompanied by dizziness, may indicate a liver problem that accommodates pregnant women.