Have you had a lot of heartburn since you became pregnant? Heartburn is often experienced as a searing, burning pain behind the breastbone and is common during pregnancy.

The stomach lining provides a protective environment for the acidic gastric juices that break down food. The stomach lining, which sits at the top of the stomach, helps to close to prevent stomach contents along with gastric juices from entering the esophagus. The oesophagus does not have the protective environment of the stomach. If the stomach lining is not effective enough, which can happen during pregnancy, there is a risk that the acidic contents will enter the esophagus. This is often experienced as painful.

Why do I get heartburn more easily during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the stomach lining is affected by the pregnancy hormones and therefore you get heartburn more easily when you are pregnant. Towards the end of pregnancy, there is also increased upward pressure in the body from the growing uterus, and thus the physics also affects the increased risk of the stomach not being able to keep completely tight. Luckily, there are several tips for heartburn for pregnant women!

How do I relieve heartburn when I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant and have heartburn, try to eat in small portions so that your stomach can keep up. Other heartburn tips for pregnant women include not eating too late at night. There are also certain foods that can cause extreme heartburn more easily for you as a pregnant woman:

- Acidic foods containing vinegar or vinegar
- Spicy food
- Juicer
- coffee

Some people experience more heartburn when they are stressed, although there is no scientific link. There are over-the-counter medicines available in pharmacies that can help, but first consult your midwife if you are experiencing heartburn, and what type of medicine might be appropriate for you.

Curious about GBS and urinary tract infection in pregnancy? Click here to find out!