More than half of pregnant women get serious heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters. Heartburn,
also called acid indigestion, is an irritation or burning sensation of the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid to your
stomach when you swallow). It’s caused by stomach contents that reflux (come back up). If you have
heartburn while you’re pregnant, you may: Heartburn in pregnancy may happen because of changing hormone levels, which can affect the muscles of the digestive
tract. Pregnancy hormones can cause your lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus) to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus. Also, as your baby grows, your enlarged uterus can crowd
the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward. Although it's rare, gallstones can also cause heartburn during pregnancy. Some tips that may help you cut down on heartburn during your pregnancy include: If your heartburn won’t go away, see
your doctor. They may prescribe or recommend OTC medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn usually disappears following childbirth.Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Prevention of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Medications may include: Over-the-counter antacids such as
calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. These are generally safe to use during pregnancy. You may find that liquid heartburn relievers are more effective in
treating heartburn, because they coat the esophagus. H2 blockers. These medications block chemical signals that produce stomach acid. They include cimetidine
(Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid,
Zantac 360), and they’re available in over the counter and prescription strengths. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Like H2 blockers, these drugs help cut down on stomach acid. PPIs, which include
lansoprazole (Prevacid) and
omeprazole (Prilosec), are available over the counter and by prescription. If you take iron
supplements, talk to your doctor before you take a PPI or H2 blocker. These medications can make the supplements less effective. Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids. Some contain ingredients that may harm you or your
baby. Be sure to not to take these medications: Ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA stopped sales of an H2 blocker called ranitidine (the ingredient in older Zantac products) because it was contaminated with a
cancer-causing agent. If you take OTC ranitidine, stop your use. If you have a prescription for ranitidine, talk to your doctor about other options before you stop your medication.Heartburn Medication to Avoid During Pregnancy
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.)
Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid and is a common pregnancy complaint,
especially in the third trimester when the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach. With gravity's help, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the
esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching; then it closes again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, back into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous,
but chronic heartburn can indicate serious problems, such as gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. Heartburn is a daily occurrence for 10% of Americans and 50% of pregnant women. It's an occasional nuisance for another 30% of the population. If you didn't have
heartburn before you were pregnant, it will probably go away when your baby is born. Common heartburn symptoms reported by pregnant women include: To ease heartburn during pregnancy without medications, you should try the following: If your heartburn persists, see your doctor. They
may recommend over-the-counter antacids or prescribe drugs that are safe to take during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related heartburn usually disappears after childbirth.Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Prevention and Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy
When to Call Your Doctor
Reach out to your doctor if you:
- Want to take an antacid. Some are not recommended during pregnancy
- Have severe hoarseness, wheezing, vomiting, or a hard time swallowing
- Have trouble sleeping because of heartburn