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Heartburn in Pregnancy
Heartburn (acid reflux) is common during pregnancy and tends to become more so as the pregnancy progresses. By the third trimester nearly three quarters of pregnant women will have suffered (Reference: 72% - 1 Source: Marrero JM, Goggin PM, de Caestecker JS, Pearce JM, Maxwell JD. Determinants of pregnancy heartburn. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1992;99: 731-4).
There are two main reasons why heartburn is common in pregnancy. Firstly, because the surge in the hormone progesterone causes muscles to relax. This includes the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach. When this relaxes stomach acids can travel back up into the oesophagus (food pipe) causing heartburn.
During the latter stages of pregnancy heartburn can also be caused by the baby physically pushing the woman's organs upwards and putting pressure on the sphincter.
There are some simple steps you can take if you are pregnant and suffering from heartburn, such as eating a healthy diet, sitting and/or sleeping in a more upright position and keeping weight gain within the recommended limits.
It is also worth talking to your health practitioner as there are some heartburn and indigestion remedies that are suitable for pregnant women. Many alginates, such as products in the Gaviscon range (excluding Gavilast), are suitable for use in pregnancy because they do not enter the bloodstream but work with the body by forming a thick layer on top of the stomach contents which prevents the excess acid rising into the oesophagus.
As with all medicines, always read the label. Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
