Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy is not uncommon for most women. Heartburn is a case of stomach acids refluxing back into the esophagus and burning the esophageal lining. Heartburn is the pain associated with the burning of the esophageal lining. There are many causes of heartburn and these can be something to do with impaired body functions or outside factors.
There are many factors of heartburn during pregnancy which are the same as ordinary heartburn. These factors include abnormal body functions, such as an impaired lower esophageal sphincter, abnormal digestive tract motility and many others. If these are the factors that contribute to heartburn during pregnancy, then the expectant mother must have experienced acid reflux before she got pregnant since these factors are inherent in her body.
Outside factors of heartburn during pregnancy can be the production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles effectively. Where as progesterone’s main aim is to relax the muscles of the uterus, other muscles may be affected including the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES opens and closes to admit food into the stomach and prevent stomach acids from refluxing into the esophagus. Progesterone can also affect the digestive system in such a way that it slows down digestion.
Another contributor to heartburn during pregnancy is the growing infant inside your uterus. Heartburn during pregnancy can be caused by the baby crowding the space in your abdominal region especially during the last trimester, when the baby is nearing its birth weight. The resulting crush in the abdomen can push stomach acids upwards, resulting in acid refluxing into the esophagus and burning the esophageal lining.
Treating Heartburn During Pregnancy
Medication for heartburn during pregnancy needs to be discussed with your gynecologist. The best heartburn treatment is to eat smaller amounts of foods during meals, if you are hungry for more; you can eat more food a couple of hours after your meal. Try to sleep with your upper body elevated to avoid reflux and wear non restrictive clothes, especially around the stomach area.
Most or the remedies for heartburn during pregnancy, are the same as the remedies for ordinary heartburn occurrences, but in case of doubt, consult your medical practitioner to ensure you and your baby are in perfect health.
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