Why is my heartburn so bad during pregnancy?
Heartburn is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can make the valve at the entrance to the stomach relax so that it doesn’t close as it should. This lets acidic stomach contents move up into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), or acid reflux.
When should I go to the hospital for heartburn during pregnancy?
Normally, heartburn doesn’t need treatment in the ER. Over the counter remedies, such as antacids, are available to calm the burning effect and reduce the symptoms. You should seek medical advice, however, if the symptoms recur frequently or if you get any of the following additional symptoms: Breathing difficulties.
What relieves heartburn during pregnancy?
For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids (such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox) are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy.
What can you take for severe heartburn?
Treatment
- Antacids, which help neutralize stomach acid. Antacids may provide quick relief.
- H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can reduce stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC), which also can reduce stomach acid.
Why is heartburn worse at night during pregnancy?
At the same time, pregnancy hormones relax the valve that normally keeps the acid in your stomach, so more of it can get through. You may find that your indigestion and heartburn symptoms get worse when you’re bending forwards, or when you’re lying down at night.
What cause heartburn in pregnancy?
The pivotal cause of the occurrence of heartburn during pregnancy is hormonal changes that the body undergoes. For instance, there is an increase in the production of progesterone hormone by the placenta, which is the reason why a pregnant woman feels relaxed even while there is a development of the egg.
Is acid reflux a sign of pregnancy?
Acid reflux disease may appear ineveryone, but it is quite common during pregnancy since the pregnant womenconstantly gain weight, which makes extra pressure to the abdomen, thus resulting inacid reflux. This condition in pregnancy is also induced by elevatedamounts of certain hormones, which have a great impact on the digestive system.
Is heartburn medicine safe for pregnant women?
Safely Taking Heartburn Medication During Pregnancy. Medications that block gastric acid secretion (called H2-receptor antagonists), such as Tagamet, Zantac and Pepcid seem to be safe to take while pregnant and fall into the “green light” category.
Can pregnancy cause heartburn?
Heartburn is caused by both hormonal and physical changes in the body, which is why pregnant woman often suffer from it. Most of the pregnant women experience heartburn during the second and third trimester.