Heartburn is a condition in which there occurs burping of acid from the stomach. It is an acid reflux condition (GERD) where stomach material is pushed back to the esophagus accompanied by a burning sensation near the chest. This is a common complaint among women in their late pregnancy and one of the outcomes of gastric disorders happening during pregnancy. 

During normal digestion, food travels down the oesophagus and through a muscular valve known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), and into the stomach. This ring of muscle acts as a gate between the stomach and the oesophagus. Normally this opens up to allow food to pass through and then closes in order to prevent stomach acid from coming back up.

Heartburn or acid reflux occurs when the LES relaxes more frequently and allows stomach acid, or even food, to seep back up into the oesophagus. Stomach acid coming into contact with the mucosa (the sensitive protective lining of the digestive system) thus causes the burning sensation you feel in your chest area known as heartburn and acid reflux.

Cause of heartburn during pregnancy

• Pregnancy with the growing fetus puts pressure on the mother’s uterus. It is caused by a combination of increased pressure from the growing uterus and hormonal effects that relax the muscular opening at the top of the stomach and cause the stomach to empty more slowly.
• As the stomach is emptied slowly some of its contents get pushed back to the esophagus which leads to heartburn.

Treating Heartburn during Pregnancy

• Avoid food that is rich in fats, spices and chillies. This aggravates heartburn. Check this article on dietary habits and nutrition for pregnancy.
• Eat several small meals (rather than a few large meals). Eating slowly and early dinner helps to reduce heartburn.
• Antacids are used to control heartburn, but they should be used only if necessary during pregnancy to rule out any side-effects of medicines. Consult your doctor for safe antacids.
• Most acidity problems go on its own within almost one month post-birth, hormonal health also gradually aligns back to normal.