Why Heartburn During Pregnancy Is So Common

Heartburn during pregnancy affects up to 80% of expectant mothers due to hormonal shifts and physical changes. Rising progesterone levels relax digestive muscles, while your growing baby puts pressure on your stomach, causing acid to flow back into the esophagus and create that uncomfortable burning sensation.

If you’re experiencing that fiery feeling in your chest, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it.

Understanding Pregnancy-Related Digestive Discomfort

Indigestion during pregnancy and heartburn are closely related. Both involve digestive upset, but heartburn specifically refers to the burning pain in your chest and throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the food pipe.

This isn’t a sign something is wrong with your pregnancy—it’s simply your body adapting to create space and nourishment for your baby.

Why Hormones Are the Main Culprit

Acidity during early pregnancy often catches women by surprise. The primary driver is progesterone, a hormone that surges early on to support your pregnancy.

Here’s what progesterone does:

• Relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES): This valve normally keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When it loosens, acid easily travels upward
• Slows digestion: Food sits in your stomach longer, creating more opportunity for reflux
• Affects the entire digestive tract: Reduced muscle contractions mean slower food movement throughout

This explains why heartburn during early pregnancy can start before you’re even showing. Your hormones are already hard at work.

Physical Changes in Later Pregnancy

As your pregnancy advances, acidity problem in pregnancy often intensifies. Here’s why:

Growing uterus creates upward pressure: By the second and third trimesters, your expanding uterus pushes your stomach upward and compresses it. There’s simply less room for your stomach to expand after meals.

Reduced stomach capacity: Even normal-sized meals can overfill your compressed stomach, forcing contents—including acid—back up into the esophagus.

Common Triggers to Watch For

Indigestion during early pregnancy and throughout can be worsened by certain foods and habits:

Foods that commonly trigger symptoms:

• Spicy or heavily seasoned dishes
• Fried and fatty foods
• Chocolate and mint
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomato-based sauces
• Coffee and caffeinated beverages
• Carbonated drinks

Habits that increase risk:

• Eating large meals instead of smaller portions
• Lying down shortly after eating
• Eating close to bedtime
• Wearing tight clothing around your midsection

Every woman’s triggers are different, so keeping a simple food diary can help identify your personal culprits.

How to Control Heartburn During Pregnancy

Wondering how to control heartburn during pregnancy without medication? Try these practical strategies:

Eating habits:

1. Eat 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large ones
2. Chew food slowly and thoroughly
3. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
4. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after meals

Lifestyle adjustments:

• Sleep with your upper body elevated using pillows or a wedge
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Avoid bending at the waist—squat instead
• Drink water between meals rather than during them
• Practice good posture to reduce stomach compression

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any antacids or medications, even over-the-counter ones. Many are safe during pregnancy, but proper guidance is essential.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While heartburn during pregnancy is usually harmless, contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
• Sudden intense pain accompanied by shortness of breath
• Symptoms combined with severe headache, vision changes, or facial swelling

These could indicate conditions requiring immediate attention.

Will It Affect My Baby?

The good news: acidity during early pregnancy and throughout doesn’t harm your baby. Your little one is safely protected in the amniotic sac and isn’t affected by your digestive discomfort.

However, severe heartburn can affect your quality of life, sleep, and nutrition intake, so managing symptoms is important for your overall wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

• Heartburn during pregnancy is extremely common, affecting most expectant mothers at some point
• Progesterone hormone relaxes digestive muscles, causing acidity during early pregnancy
• Your growing baby creates physical pressure that worsens indigestion during pregnancy in later trimesters
• Small, frequent meals and staying upright after eating are key to control heartburn during pregnancy
• Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus, chocolate, and caffeine
• Heartburn during early pregnancy doesn’t harm your baby but should be managed for your comfort
• Most symptoms resolve after delivery when hormone levels normalize
• Consult your doctor if symptoms are severe or accompanied by other concerning signs

Remember, indigestion during early pregnancy and beyond is temporary. Your body is doing remarkable work creating new life—these uncomfortable symptoms are just temporary side effects that will fade once your baby arrives.

Healyos: How We Help

At Healyos, we understand that pregnancy brings unique physical challenges beyond heartburn and digestive discomfort. Our expert physiotherapists specialize in prenatal and postnatal care, offering personalized programs to address pregnancy-related issues like back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, postural problems, and core weakness. Through evidence-based techniques, gentle exercises, and continuous support, we help expecting and new mothers stay comfortable, strong, and confident throughout their journey. With customized home programs and regular progress monitoring, we provide comprehensive care that supports your body through pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.