Acid Indigestion During Pregnancy

Acid indigestion during pregnancy is a very common complaint, but can be managed with some simple measures. In this article, you can find out what causes acid indigestion during pregnancy, as well as its symptoms and treatment.

Heartburn and acid indigestion are some of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Majority of women experience these problems for the first time in their life during pregnancy, while for others the symptoms of acid indigestion worsen during this period. Acid indigestion during pregnancy is mainly caused by the changes in the structure or shape of the body, as well as the hormonal changes that take place during this period. The irritation or the burning sensation that can be felt in the chest and the back of the throat due to acid indigestion is caused by the regurgitation of the stomach content and the acids. Usually, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve like opening helps to keep the stomach content from flowing back to the esophagus. When this sphincter fails to function properly or it weakens, the stomach acids and foods can flow back to the esophagus. This condition is also known as acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What Causes Acid Indigestion and Heartburn During Pregnancy?

The relationship between acid indigestion or heartburn and pregnancy can be explained by the hormonal changes that take place during this period. Pregnancy is characterized by the rising levels of hormones like, estrogen and progesterone. The hormone progesterone causes the muscles of the digestive tract including, the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. As a result, food and acid from the stomach can easily move backward towards the esophagus to cause heartburn and acid indigestion.

The symptoms of acid indigestion can worsen during the second and third trimester. This is because, the growing uterus can put more pressure on the stomach, and push the stomach acids back up towards the esophagus. Consumption of spicy or fatty foods, or eating a large meal and lying down immediately are some other possible acid indigestion causes. These factors can worsen the problem of acid indigestion during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Acid Indigestion During Pregnancy

The most common symptom of acid indigestion is the burning sensation that can be felt in the chest, just behind the breastbone. Along with the chest, the irritation and the burning sensation can be experienced in the stomach and the back of the throat as well. Apart from these, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, belching, vomiting, and sore throat and cough are some other acid indigestion symptoms that one can experience.

Cure for Acid Indigestion During Pregnancy

Acid indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy can be managed to a great extent with the help of some dietary and lifestyle modifications. Pregnant women should avoid eating large meals and lying down immediately after eating a meal, in order to prevent acid indigestion. It is better to replace large meals with small and frequent meals to get relief from the symptoms of acid indigestion. At the same time, it is equally important to limit the consumption of greasy or fatty foods, spicy foods, garlic, tomato and tomato products, vinegar, alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

On the other hand, certain foods and drinks like, cold milk, chamomile tea, ginger tea, milk of raw coconut, honey and peppermint can provide some relief in acid indigestion and heartburn. These are some of the natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy. Pregnant women can also talk to their physician to know more about an ideal diet that can help to control the symptoms of acid indigestion. Along with the dietary changes, sleeping in a slightly elevated position can prove very helpful in preventing the regurgitation of stomach content and acids. In addition to these, women should also avoid smoking during pregnancy to prevent acid indigestion.

Medications like, antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors can be required for the treatment of acid indigestion at times. However, not all medications are safe to be used during pregnancy, that is why pregnant women should always consult their physicians before taking any kind of medications. If lifestyle and dietary modifications fail to alleviate the symptoms of acid indigestion during pregnancy, pregnant women should consider to get the condition properly evaluated with the help of their health care provider. This would help to address the underlying causes of acid indigestion, and get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of this condition.