HEARTBURN DURING PREGNANCY

 Basic information

description

Heartburn is the term used to describe a burning pain in the chest and upper abdomen. It is common for pregnant women to have the symptoms of heartburn. It usually comes and goes until delivery. Although it can cause you some discomfort, heartburn will not hurt your baby.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Burning pain in the center of the chest and upper abdomen. It is often causes an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Belching (burping).

causes

• Heartburn is not a heart disorder. It is caused by a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. The muscles that close off the upper stomach become lax (loose), allowing stomach juices to enter the esophagus and irritate its lining.
• Changes caused by pregnancy include an increase in the amount of stomach acid. It also takes longer for the stomach to empty.
• During late pregnancy, the enlarged womb presses on the stomach and may increase the symptoms.

risk increases with

• Overeating or eating and then lying down.
• Smoking.
• Excess use of alcohol.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid risk factors listed above.

expected outcomes

The heartburn goes away after the baby is born unless the cause is not related to pregnancy. There are normally no complications.

possible complications

Heartburn may affect your ability to eat a healthy diet. Low food and fluid intake might cause problems for the mother and the baby.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Heartburn is usually self-diagnosed. Your obstetric provider may make the diagnosis from the symptoms you describe, and, rarely, may recommend other medical tests.
• General treatment suggestions:
  • Avoid bending over or lying down right after eating.
  • Don't wear tight clothing or belts.
  • Place books or blocks under the head of your bed to raise it about 4 to 6 inches.
  • Don't smoke.

medications

• While medicine is not usually needed for this disorder, in some cases it may be of benefit. Simple antacid mixtures or tablets, such as magnesium trisilicate, may be helpful. These drugs should be used only with your obstetric provider's approval. Other drugs may be prescribed if simple measures don't help the symptoms.
• Don't take any herbal remedies without asking your obstetric provider.
• If you can live with the symptoms, try to avoid use of drugs.

activity

Stay active. Avoid exercises that require bending over.

diet

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Don't rush through your meals; eat slowly.
• Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals.
• Don't eat before bedtime.
• Avoid highly seasoned food.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• Avoid very hot or very cold beverages.
• Avoid eating while lying down.
• Chewing gum may be helpful for some women.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy. This should be diagnosed.
• The following occur after diagnosis:
  • Simple measures don't bring relief.
  • You begin vomiting late in pregnancy.
  • You vomit material that has blood in it or looks like coffee grounds.
  • You have black or tarry stools.

Special Notes: