How to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn and reflux are two of the most common discomforts during pregnancy, affecting many women, with the vast majority wondering if it is normal to have heartburn during pregnancy. The good news is that, although it can be very uncomfortable, these symptoms are temporary and are related to the hormonal and physical changes associated with this stage, and they can be relieved through some actions and lifestyle changes. Keep reading to learn more about what it is, when it appears and how to get rid of heartburn.

What is heartburn during pregnancy?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can even reach the throat. It is produced when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, causing irritation. It is normal to have heartburn during pregnancy and it tends to be more frequent from the second and third trimester onwards. In addition to that burning sensation, other symptoms that can also appear are throat irritation, cough and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

When does heartburn start in pregnancy and why does it happen?

To the question of when heartburn starts during pregnancy, the answer is that it can appear at any time, although it is usually more frequent from the second trimester onwards and can intensify during the third. This happens mainly for two reasons, linked together:

• Hormonal changes

Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, cause relaxation of the muscles of the oesophagus, reducing the effectiveness of the oesophageal sphincter (the membrane between the stomach and the oesophagus), whose main function is to prevent stomach acid from rising into the oesophagus. In addition, due to this muscular relaxation, the digestive process works more slowly and the transport of food to the stomach is also slower, favouring heaviness and reflux.

• Growth of the uterus

Another reason is that, as the baby grows, the body changes shape and the uterus pushes the stomach, which can cause stomach acid to be pushed up into the oesophagus. For this reason, although heartburn can occur at any time during pregnancy, it tends to worsen or is more common in the third trimester, as pregnancy progresses.

What is good for heartburn during pregnancy?

It is true that there is no key action to know how to avoid heartburn during pregnancy, but we can learn how to control heartburn during pregnancy and reduce discomfort. Some tips and healthy habits are:

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
• Eat slowly and chew food well.
• Try not to drink liquids during meals to prevent the stomach from filling up too much; it is better to do so before or after.
• Avoid eating citrus, acidic, high-fat, fried and spicy foods.
• Sleep with your head elevated and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
• Limit caffeine consumption.

If, despite following these recommendations, you continue to have discomfort and are looking for how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy, there are compatible products that can help relieve the symptoms: Aboca Neobianacid may be the solution.

Aboca Neobianacid is a natural product formulated to relieve both heartburn and reflux in a way that is respectful of the gastric mucosa. Its action is based on creating a protective film that helps reduce the irritation caused by stomach acids and provides a quick and long-lasting feeling of relief. In addition, it is its composition based on plant and mineral complexes that makes it an effective option to help control these discomforts during pregnancy.

Please remember that heartburn during pregnancy usually improves or disappears after childbirth and that, in the meantime, maintaining good eating habits and using suitable products can help you better cope with this discomfort. However, if you have any doubts, especially at this stage, it is always advisable to consult your doctor.