Most adults, at one point or another, will experience heartburn or acid reflux. About 20 percent of Americans who have a more serious version, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), experience heartburn more than twice a week that can last for several weeks in a row. People that are overweight or obese, take certain medications, or smoke (or are exposed to second-hand smoke) are at higher risk for GERD.3 If you are experiencing GERD, talk to your doctor about the prescription treatment options that are right for you. The direct cause of heartburn comes from the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve between your esophagus and stomach that lets food pass from one to the other.2 Normally, the valve works as a one-way street, remaining closed in the other direction to prevent food or stomach acid from backing up in the esophagus. However, with heartburn, the valve does not close tightly enough. This allows stomach acid, which helps break down food as it passes through, to travel back up to the esophagus, leading to an uncomfortable burning sensation.2

What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Up to 50 percent of women experience symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy , usually in the second and third trimesters.6 Along with the triggers listed above, pregnant women experience heartburn due to hormonal changes, particularly due to an increase in progesterone, which prepares the body for childbirth by acting as a muscle relaxer.6, 7 An unintended side effect is that muscles around the LES can relax too much, resulting in a faulty valve that lets stomach acid back up in the esophagus. As the baby grows, women experience more pressure on the stomach and a crowding of the abdomen.6 This pressure can also cause the LES to weaken.

Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Your hormones may be the reason for newfound heartburn symptoms.^1,2

Many women experience heartburn for the first time while pregnant.¹ With all of the changes occurring in your body, heartburn might feel like an additional challenge that is tough to navigate. Here, we unpack a few reasons why you may be experiencing certain symptoms and how to help digestion during pregnancy. Be sure to also speak to your doctor if you are experiencing heartburn and want to learn more.

There are two main reasons why being pregnant can cause heartburn. The first has to do with the body's increasing hormone levels.^1,2,3 These hormones act as muscle relaxants that helps prepare your body for childbirth.

The downside? An increase in hormones may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the valve responsible for keeping stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus where it doesn't belong.^1,2 If the LES is relaxed, the acid in your stomach can push up (reflux) into your esophagus. This acid may irritate your esophagus, causing heartburn.

The second cause of heartburn in pregnant women develops as the pregnancy progresses.^1,2,3 Babies grow at an incredible rate. As they do, their increasing size can put pressure on your stomach. Often, this increased pressure can push the acid in your stomach up past the LES and back into your esophagus, causing heartburn^.1,2 Luckily, the heartburn will likely stop after giving birth.¹

Appropriate Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Lifestyle and diet management: Altering your diet or adjusting your lifestyle should be the first thing you try when looking to manage your heartburn during pregnancy. From changing your sleeping position to altering your diet, there are many ways to help alleviate pain.^1,2,3
Antacids: Antacids are an option for heartburn relief during pregnancy when used as directed.^1,2,3 You should check with your doctor about appropriate antacid options and use, if you experience heartburn during pregnancy. In fact, for up to 50 percent of pregnant women, an antacid is all they need to ease heartburn symptoms. However, pregnant women should talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the need to avoid antacids containing sodium bicarbonate.

While antacids have been used in pregnancy, there are other treatments for heartburn that may not be appropriate during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor prior to using heartburn treatments, such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). When in doubt, talk to your doctor about the right heartburn relief treatments for you.

For more information on heartburn and other digestive issues, visit the TUMS site.

References

Pregnancy and Heartburn. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=10.
Heartburn in pregnancy. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562453/.
Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/.

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Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Your hormones may be the reason for newfound heartburn symptoms.^1,2

Appropriate Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Find TUMS products Online

Select Location and Language:

Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Your hormones may be the reason for newfound heartburn symptoms.1,2

Appropriate Pregnancy Digestion Remedies

Find TUMS products Online

Your hormones may be the reason for newfound heartburn symptoms.^1,2