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Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it is often accompanied by discomforts like heartburn and indigestion. For many expecting mothers, stomach burning during pregnancy, acidity, and indigestion can become recurring issues, affecting quality of life and sleep. Understanding what causes heartburn during pregnancy, how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast, and safe methods for relief is essential. Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur specialise in providing personalised care and effective strategies to manage these common digestive challenges.
Synopsis
- What Is Heartburn During Pregnancy?
- Why Does Heartburn and Acidity Occur in Pregnancy?
- Symptoms of Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy
- How to Get Rid of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast
- Treatment and Safety Considerations During Pregnancy
- Indigestion Pregnancy: Managing Your Comfort
- When to See Our Obstetrics and Gynaecologists in Jaipur
- Conclusion
What Is Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy refers to the burning sensation typically felt in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid refluxing up the oesophagus. This happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, relaxes and lets acid escape backwards. Stomach burning during pregnancy often accompanies this retrograde flow of acid, leading to discomfort and sometimes pain.
Indigestion pregnancy symptoms include bloating, nausea, belching, and an upset stomach. These symptoms often overlap with heartburn, making digestion uncomfortable during pregnancy.
Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur advise pregnant women to recognise these symptoms early to prevent worsening and know when to seek expert care.
Why Does Heartburn and Acidity Occur in Pregnancy?
Several physiological changes during pregnancy contribute to acidity in pregnancy and heartburn:
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Hormonal Changes: Progesterone, a hormone that rises during pregnancy, relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the LES. This relaxation leads to reduced pressure at the valve, allowing acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
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Physical Pressure from the Growing Uterus: As the baby grows, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the stomach, pushing its contents upward. This mechanical effect worsens the acid reflux, especially as pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters.
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Slower Digestion: Progesterone also slows down gastrointestinal motility. Foods remain longer in the stomach, increasing acid production and acidity, which contribute to indigestion and pregnancy symptoms.
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Dietary and Lifestyle Factors: Foods that are spicy, acidic, fried, or fatty can trigger heartburn. Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating can aggravate symptoms.
Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur work with pregnant women to identify individual triggers and provide customised advice to reduce discomfort.
Symptoms of Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy
Recognising the symptoms helps in managing the condition promptly. Common signs include:
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Burning pain or discomfort in the chest, often after eating or at night
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A sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to acid reflux
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Bloating, belching, or excessive gas
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Nausea or feeling full quickly
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Discomfort or pain that can radiate towards the throat
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Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
Many women experience these symptoms intermittently, but severity and frequency may increase as pregnancy advances.
How to Get Rid of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast
Finding relief quickly is important for expectant mothers. Here are practical, pregnancy-safe ways to alleviate heartburn promptly:
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Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, opt for smaller portions spread over the day to reduce stomach pressure.
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Stay Upright After Eating: Sitting or standing for at least an hour helps gravity prevent acid reflux.
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Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of spicy, fried, or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.
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Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes around the abdomen increase pressure on the stomach.
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Chew Gum: This increases saliva production, which neutralises stomach acid.
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Elevate the Head During Sleep: Use pillows or raise the head end of the bed to prevent acid from rising while lying down.
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Drink Water Between Meals: Avoid drinking large amounts during meals to reduce stomach distention.
Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur recommend these methods combined with proper monitoring to ensure safe relief for mother and baby.
Treatment and Safety Considerations During Pregnancy
While many women manage heartburn and acidity with lifestyle adjustments, occasionally, medication is necessary. Over-the-counter antacids containing calcium or magnesium are considered safe but should only be used after consulting healthcare providers.
Prescription medications may be prescribed if symptoms are severe or persistent. Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur ensure that any medication used is safe for pregnancy and monitor for side effects.
Indigestion Pregnancy: Managing Your Comfort
Indigestion during pregnancy refers to discomfort in the upper abdomen, often linked with heartburn. Symptoms include bloating, nausea, burping, and early satiety.
Enhancing digestion can be encouraged by:
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Eating slowly and mindfully to avoid swallowing excess air
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Avoiding lying down immediately after meals
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Engaging in gentle physical activity like walking after eating
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Reducing stress, which tends to worsen digestion
Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur provide tailored advice to help pregnant women maintain comfortable digestion throughout their pregnancy journey.
When to See Our Obstetrics and Gynaecologists in Jaipur
Most heartburn cases are manageable with lifestyle tips, but certain symptoms require prompt medical consultation:
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Intense or persistent chest pain
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Difficulty or pain swallowing
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Vomiting blood or repeated vomiting
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Significant weight loss or dehydration
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Severe nausea and inability to keep food down
Our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur are available to provide thorough evaluation and treatment, ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy and safe.
Conclusion
Heartburn during pregnancy and indigestion are common but manageable challenges. Understanding the causes of acidity in pregnancy and adopting lifestyle changes supported by expert guidance from our obstetrics and gynaecologists in Jaipur can restore comfort and improve the pregnancy experience. If heartburn or stomach burning becomes troublesome, our specialists are here to provide safe, effective treatments tailored for mothers-to-be. Prioritise your comfort and health today by consulting our experienced team in Jaipur for personalised care and relief.
Learn More: How to stop vomiting in pregnancy home remedies
FAQ's
Heartburn is caused by hormonal relaxation of the stomach valve and pressure from the growing uterus pushing stomach acid upward.
Eat small meals, avoid trigger foods, stay upright after eating, chew gum, and elevate your head during sleep.
No, acidity affects the mother’s comfort and does not harm the baby, but it should be managed to ensure well-being.
Drinking water between meals, eating yoghurt, chewing gum, and avoiding spicy or fatty foods are safe ways.
See a doctor if heartburn is severe, persistent, accompanied by difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or chest pain.
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