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Is there heartburn during early pregnancy?
Pregnancy is not the easiest period in a woman’s life. The shape of the body changes, unexpected health problems may arise. For example, gas or heartburn during early pregnancy is a lot of inconvenience. The cause of the problem at the beginning of the term is the action of hormones, in the future – the pressure of the growing baby and the displacement of organs.
Heartburn in early pregnancy: cause and remedy
There is a popular omen – if the expectant mother has heartburn, it means that the fetus is growing nails or hair. Sometimes this comic prediction comes true, but the main reason is not in the baby’s lush hair. It changes depending on the duration and general health indicators.
Acid dyspepsia – as gastroenterologists call heartburn – is manifested by a burning sensation behind the sternum and under the spoon. The reason is the release of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Women doubt whether there is heartburn in the earliest stages of pregnancy, because the baby’s pressure is not yet present. And it provokes progesterone, a hormone that supports pregnancy. It weakens the muscles and a valve between the stomach and esophagus releases some of the contents.
Treatment of heartburn in the first trimester is carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor! Any medicine can be potentially dangerous
Antacids are prescribed as drugs to alleviate the condition. They suppress the action of stomach acid, relieve irritation and pain. The dosage and drug should be selected by the gastroenterologist. The permissible maximum of the medication must not be exceeded, otherwise unpleasant consequences, for example, constipation, are possible.
From folk remedies, it is recommended to drink milk, mineral water without gas and eat baked apples. These products gently relieve the burning sensation and do not harm the baby.
Cause and elimination of heartburn in the second and third trimester
After the 25th week, the effect of progesterone decreases. For a while, the woman feels relief, but then the fetus begins to actively grow, the uterus presses on the surrounding organs, including the stomach. Another cause of heartburn appears – mechanical, it is already more difficult to cope with it.
How to reduce heartburn in the second half of pregnancy:
- Eat small and fractional meals. Divide the daily diet into 6-8 meals.
- Refrain from spicy, smoked, fried.
- Eliminate acidic fruits and vegetables with coarse fiber from your diet.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, it should digest at least a little and leave the stomach.
- Eat more dairy products, cereals, and low-fat cottage cheese.
- If heartburn persists even at night, lift the head end of the bed.
- Keep your back straight, bending over and stooping to trigger the release of gastric juice.
If there are no contraindications, then you can take the same drugs as in the first trimester.
Heartburn can accompany a woman for a short period or throughout her pregnancy. Seek advice from a gastroenterologist and follow the recommended diet.