26.11.2021

Heartburn in pregnancy. Medicines for heartburn during pregnancy


In the second trimester of pregnancy, many women experience heartburn, nausea, and belching. Of the 80% of cases - this is the result of overeating. From 14 to 27 weeks, the fetus noticeably increases in size, the uterus expands and begins to squeeze the stomach, duodenum 12. This affects the rate of splitting and digestion of food. Pregnant women continue to eat the same portions as before, which seriously overloads the stomach. As a result, food in the gastrointestinal tract does not have time to be absorbed, the processes of fermentation and decay begin, belching and heartburn appear in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Burning in the stomach during the second trimester often worries expectant mothers.

Description of the problem

Heartburn during pregnancy from 14 to 27 weeks is a strong burning sensation in the chest, larynx. Burning syndrome provokes hormonal changes in the body of a future mother preparing for delivery. Heartburn usually sets in within minutes of eating. Attacks can be repeated and have different intensity.

If the burning sensation lasts for several minutes, the symptom may not be treated. But, if the burning sensation does not let go for a long period of time and significantly disrupts the condition of the pregnant woman, you should think about the help of a specialist who will select a course of treatment.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy in the second trimester

As mentioned above, the main cause of heartburn during pregnancy at 14-27 weeks is hormonal changes. During this period, the body begins to intensively produce progesterone - the main hormone of pregnancy. Increasing its amount leads to relaxation of the muscular tissue of the uterus, which allows it to grow painlessly with the fetus. Together with the uterus, the muscles of other internal organs relax. This allows you to feel less discomfort when squeezing them.

Since all organs of the gastrointestinal tract are separated from each other by special protective valves (sphincters), incoming food lingers in each section of the digestive system for a certain amount of time for splitting. If the muscle fibers of the organs and the valve are relaxed, the retention mechanism will be broken due to loose sphincter closure. As a result, the bolus (food bolus) will be thrown back into the esophagus (from the stomach) or into the stomach (from the duodenal process of the intestine). Under the action of aggressive contents, the mucous membranes will begin to irritate, which will provoke an attack of heartburn.

Based on the foregoing, heartburn during pregnancy in the second trimester appears for the following reasons:

  • increased production of progesterone;
  • rise in pressure inside the peritoneum due to an increase in the uterus and fetus;
  • relaxation of the muscle tissue of organs, in particular, the sphincter;
  • difficulty in digestion.

Features of heartburn

Many expectant mothers experience heartburn when they are 17-18 weeks pregnant. A distinctive feature of discomfort at this time is the mechanical nature of the burning sensation.

The occurrence of burning pain in the retrosternal space is affected by the constraint of the internal organs by the growing uterus with the fetus. The organs gradually move up, shrink, and are somewhat deformed. All this entails the difficulty of the processes of splitting and digestion of food.

The last weeks of the second trimester, the symptoms gradually deepen. There is a constant feeling of nausea and heaviness after eating. This condition often ends with vomiting, which is often confused with toxicosis. An unpleasant symptom can overtake a pregnant woman when performing physical work, sudden movement, lifting weights.

Symptoms

As the uterus grows at 14-27 weeks of gestation, heartburn begins to acquire a spontaneous character and appear at different intervals for no specific reason. The symptom will be aggravated after overeating or eating heavy food (high-calorie or spicy). By the 6th month, the clinical picture begins to gradually expand. Additional symptoms in the last weeks of the second trimester include:

  • severe burning in the esophagus;
  • prolonged chest pain;
  • belching with a sour taste in the mouth;
  • bloating;
  • dry cough;
  • nausea, occasional vomiting.

Heartburn and fetus

Many pregnant women worry about how heartburn affects the fetus. Doctors agree that the appearance of discomfort in the expectant mother does not physically affect the development and condition of the child. Only the strong excitement and experience of the pregnant woman, arising against the background of a misunderstanding of the root cause of the onset of heartburn and its intensification by the 20th week of the second trimester, as well as taking medications that are not allowed or approved by the doctor, can negatively affect.

How to treat?

As a first aid for the onset of heartburn, many use a soda solution. But during pregnancy, this remedy is contraindicated. Self-treatment of heartburn is prohibited. During this period, self-medication is fraught with unpleasant consequences and serious complications for the mother and the baby that has not yet been born.

Therefore, if a burning sensation occurs in the chest and epigastric region, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor. The doctor will pick up safe means for symptomatic treatment, suggest other safe methods to eliminate the uncomfortable condition.

A woman can cope with heartburn at 4-6 months of pregnancy on her own, it is enough to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • Avoid overeating and quick swallowing of poorly chewed food.
  • Do not lie down to rest after eating in a horizontal position. The best solution is to sit relaxed or take a slow walk.
  • During sleep and rest, put an extra pillow under your head and shoulders. This will provide protection against the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus with a loose sphincter valve.

  • Do not wear tight, restrictive clothing made of synthetic fabrics. It is especially important to pay attention to the quality of underwear and pants. These things should not squeeze the stomach.
  • Does not slouch, so as not to create additional pressure on internal organs.
  • Avoid late, heavy meals.
  • It is necessary to revise the menu and get rid of dishes from fatty meat, muffins, fresh bread (especially from wholemeal flour), sour fruits, berries, vegetables, cold and spicy.

These rules can be used as preventive measures to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant symptom.

Nutrition and diet

The most effective and harmless way to prevent and relieve heartburn in mid-pregnancy is diet and adherence to a proper diet. The diet should be filled with the following products:

  • milk and dairy products;
  • fresh fruits and vegetables of non-acidic varieties;
  • weak broths on vegetables, meat and fish of low-fat varieties;
  • yesterday's bread made from wheat flour;
  • potato juice;
  • almonds, hazelnuts;
  • oatmeal on yogurt;
  • dairy products.

To facilitate the process of digestion, it is recommended to take Activated carbon, drink weak herbal infusions from a mixture of equal amounts of marjoram, yarrow, basil, ginger. To make tea, you need 1 tbsp. l. pour 250 ml of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 10 minutes.

Do not overload the gastrointestinal tract with overeating and irritating mucous foods and drinks, such as coffee, alcohol, soda, acidic juices, yeast products, sweets and fatty foods. Principles of the correct diet therapy regimen:

  1. Fractional meals - up to 7 times in 24 hours.
  2. Small portions - up to 300 g.
  3. Break between meals - no more than 2 hours.
  4. The choice of the optimal hourly mode and its daily maintenance.
  5. The last meal before going to bed is no later than 3 hours. It is allowed to drink a glass of low-fat kefir or yogurt at night.
  6. Don't eat on the go.
  7. Chew food thoroughly.
  8. Eat boiled or steamed food.
  9. Do not drink food with water.

What to take from medicines?

At 14-27 weeks of gestation, not all heartburn medications are allowed. There is a certain list of drugs that are prescribed during the period of bearing a child:

  1. "Maalox" - to regulate the amount of acid in the digestive juice by absorbing its excess. The drug belongs to the group of antacids and is endowed with an enveloping and adsorbing effect. You need to drink 1.5 hours before the start of the meal and to stop the onset of heartburn attacks.
  2. "Almagel" is a long-acting antacid similar to the first one, which reduces secretory activity in the production of gastric acid. It is consumed 40 minutes before a meal.
  3. "Renny" - to neutralize hydrochloric acid by binding it with calcium and magnesium carbonates. The drug has an antacid and gastroprotective effect.
  4. Lansoprazole - for the relief of heartburn, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The drug belongs to proton inhibitors. Appointed in extreme cases.
  5. "Ranitidine" - H2-receptor blocker. It is prescribed when antacids do not work.
  6. Gaviscon is an antacid and gastroprotector for softening and enveloping the walls of the esophagus and eliminating heartburn by forming a protective gel. Drink before meals and at bedtime.

14 weeks pregnant what happens to the baby and mom What feelings does a woman experience? Pregnancy 14 weeks - the beginning of the 2nd trimester.

14 OB WEEK OF PREGNANCY = 12 WEEK OF PREGNANCY FROM CONCEPTION

Pregnancy 14 weeks fetal development and woman's sensations

14 weeks pregnant what happens to mom

It has passed, the emotional background has returned to normal - pleasant weeks of waiting for the birth of a baby are coming.

However, some negative processes can still occur in a woman's body. Due to insufficient intake of vitamins, bleeding gums (little vitamin C), peeling of the skin, dryness and brittleness of nails and hair (lack of vitamin A) occur.

Your tummy gradually becomes visible, and although it is still small, the ligaments and muscles begin to stretch to provide enough room for the baby to grow. This can cause discomfort and even pain in the pelvis and groin area. In weight, a pregnant woman in the 2nd trimester should add 300 - 350 g weekly (this is an ideal indicator).

If sometimes you may feel short of breath. This is a common occurrence at the beginning of the second trimester. The reason for this, of course, is pregnancy, which stimulates the respiratory center, increases the frequency and depth of breaths. Be prepared for the fact that the longer the pregnancy, the more breathing problems you will experience. The growing uterus, squeezing the diaphragm, will put pressure on the lungs. But don't worry, you will gradually get used to it.

14 weeks of pregnancy fetal development

During this period, the weight of the fetus is from 30 to 40 g, the length is from 8 to 10 cm.


Rfetal development at 14 weeks of gestation accompanied by the following processes:

  • the baby moves intensively, knows how to move perfectly;
  • the fetus has ribs;
  • the future baby is becoming more and more like a person;
  • begins to make movements similar to breathing (preparing for birth);
  • perfectly distinguishes tastes: actively performs swallowing movements - such is the reaction to sweet, but bitter and sour causes weak reflexes;
  • already formed genitals;
  • the baby already has eyebrows and cilia;
  • the formed organs and systems work and improve more and more.

In addition, as we write about above, the child performs the first eye movements and responds to sound, although his ears are not yet fully formed. He probably feels the vibration through his skin. Facial muscles develop, the child begins to make various mines - opens his mouth, frowns.

At the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, each baby begins to grow at its own pace - some babies are faster, others are slower. Despite differences in growth rates, all children still develop in the same pattern.

At the 14th week of pregnancy, the thyroid gland of the child begins to produce hormones - in boys the prostate appears, and in girls the ovaries, slowly descending from the abdomen to the pelvis.

at 14 weeks pregnant

At the 14th week of pregnancy, may appear caused by relaxation of the abdominal wall, as well as high levels of progesterone, which causes relaxation of the intestinal muscles. If constipation has appeared, then try introducing more fiber and fiber into the diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables, greens, whole grains, grains, etc.

During pregnancy, a complete restructuring of the female body occurs. What used to be the norm for her now seems something strange and complicated. One of the most unpleasant symptoms that cause severe discomfort in a woman in position is heartburn during pregnancy. According to statistics, this phenomenon manifests itself in almost half of pregnancies, even if there have been no such problems before.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the main causes of this condition, as well as give some recommendations to help cope with heartburn.

Heartburn during pregnancy is rare in the later stages

Heartburn is a condition in which an acute burning sensation is felt in the lower chest area and in the pit of the stomach. This phenomenon is caused by the fact that gastric juice is secreted into the digestive tract. Because of this, its mucous membrane is irritated, which causes discomfort.

Acid is released due to compression of all internal organs. This phenomenon is common with large physical activity to the abdominal cavity. For example, this can be caused by abdominal exercises or frequent body tilts.

The fetus is growing all the time, so every month the pressure on the internal organs only increases. On early dates this phenomenon does not occur. Most often, problems appear starting from the second trimester.

The digestive tract has a special protection against heartburn - the sphincter, so not every expectant mother suffers from heartburn. But it should be noted that in a woman in position, all muscles relax under the pressure of the fetus.

Heartburn is a consequence of sphincter relaxation

Therefore, in this state, it is difficult for the sphincter to keep gastric juice from entering the esophagus. Also, the tense state of the sphincter is prevented by a significant increase in the size of the uterus, as well as an increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity. This appears around 25 weeks.

An increase in hormone levels has a significant impact on the speed of the digestive tract. The peristalsis of the intestines slows down, which is one of the side effects of the production of pregnancy hormones. Because of this, the entire digestion process slows down, which can cause various disorders and, accordingly, heartburn.

Heartburn usually appears after eating and can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the individual. Many women complain that heartburn makes itself felt all the time. This phenomenon is especially pronounced at night in a supine position, so sometimes you have to sleep almost sitting.

How does heartburn manifest?

This phenomenon is quite common, so it is very easy to identify it. The main symptoms are:

  1. There is a sharp burning sensation in the chest area. This is especially true when eating heavy fatty foods.
  2. Pain when turning the body and sudden movements.
  3. Sour taste in the mouth.
  4. When eating solid food, there is a feeling of obstruction, which can be eliminated by drinking plenty of water.
  5. Nausea.

Diagnostics can be carried out at any time if the condition worsens. This does not require the use of specialized equipment.

Heartburn in the 1st trimester

Often, women begin to experience discomfort in the lower chest area almost from the first days of conception. A common reason for this is the use of antispasmodic-type drugs. For example, it can be No-Shpa or Papaverine preparations.

The cause of heartburn in the 1st trimester may be taking antispasmodics - they relax the muscles

Many mothers-to-be take these medications to relieve uterine spasms. At the same time, the sphincter also relaxes, so it begins to pass gastric juice into the digestive tract. Because of this, there is a feeling of intense heat.

Heartburn in the 2nd trimester

During this period, heartburn comes into full force. It is during this period that decisive factors appear: firstly, the intensive growth of the fetus begins, and secondly, pregnancy hormones are also produced at an increased rate.

Heartburn in the 3rd trimester

With the approach of childbirth, heartburn practically disappears, as the stomach drops lower and the pressure on the internal organs is significantly reduced. The synthesis of progesterone also decreases, because the female body is preparing for the release of a new life into the light. Therefore, during this period, heartburn is a rare occurrence.

Actions for heartburn - how to get rid of it?

Medications for heartburn

To eliminate the symptoms, various drugs are often prescribed. But you must clearly understand that they are not always as safe as indicated in the instructions for use.

Among side effects heartburn medication can highlight constipation

Taking these medications can lead to the following side effects:

  • the baby's head can ossify, which causes complications during childbirth;
  • medicines can cause constipation, which is undesirable, since women in position often have problems with stools;
  • useful substances and minerals are removed from the body, so it is very important to distinguish between the time of taking anti-heartburn drugs and various vitamins;
  • magnesium, which is an ingredient in many heartburn medications, can complicate tribal activity mother.

The decision to take anti-heartburn drugs should be carefully considered. If the heat can no longer be tolerated, then in no case should you take matters into your own hands. First you need to consult a doctor.

Rennie

It is the best and most common drug. Its advantage is that it is completely safe and has practically no contraindications, which is why it is prescribed for women in position. Moreover, the effect is manifested almost immediately. Eliminates not only heartburn, but also its additional manifestations - nausea, flatulence, belching.

Gestid

A tool that contains many useful substances. Available in the form of chewable tablets. They are harmless and have an acceptable cost.

Pulsatilla

Homeopathic remedy. Release form - granule. It also helps to eliminate side effects like belching and rumbling in the stomach. Released only after consultation with the attending physician.

Smecta

This remedy consists only of natural ingredients and absorbs gastric juice, which irritates the esophagus. Available in powder form. The course of treatment lasts about a week. It is not recommended to exceed this period.

Maalos

It contains magnesium and aluminum. There are several forms of release - suspension and tablets. Eliminates not only discomfort, but also has an analgesic effect. This drug should not be taken for more than three days.

Folk remedies

Many mothers prefer to opt for folk remedies for heartburn that have stood the test of time. There is a wide variety of different means. You will have to independently check how the body perceives this or that method. Most of the expectant mothers immediately remember about soda. But still it is better to refrain from taking it, as the condition can only worsen.

Among the natural ways to get rid of heartburn, herbal teas are recommended.

Doctors have compiled a list of more soft remedies to eliminate high acidity of gastric juice:

  1. At the initial stages, you can drink jelly or potato juice. They envelop the walls of the stomach and do no harm.
  2. Milk is an effective remedy. It should be drunk in small sips. You can increase its usefulness by adding fennel oil.
  3. Several times a day, you can take powdered egg peel.
  4. Pumpkin seeds help almost immediately. A small handful is taken at a time.
  5. Herbal decoctions of centaury and heather have a beneficial effect on the digestion process and reduce heartburn.
  6. An effective remedy is mineral water, which contains alkali. These are such brands as Borjomi, Luzhanskaya, Slavyanovskaya. The beneficial minerals contained in them help against heartburn and other stomach disorders.
  7. Based on the experience of other moms, oatmeal, carrots or nuts can be a great solution.
  8. You can use lemon, grape seed and neroli oils. This solution is rubbed into the chest and helps eliminate all symptoms almost immediately.

Although all of these products are natural, you should still consult your doctor before taking any of the remedies. Particular attention should be paid to essential oils and herbs, because not all of them are easily tolerated by a woman in position. It depends on individual characteristics.

Herbal teas

It is the most common remedy. It is not only useful, but also pleasant. Herbal teas have a beneficial effect on the overall health of the mother and fetus, eliminates the discomfort and pain of heartburn:

  1. Fennel. Pharmacies sell ready-made tea bags, so you can buy them and prepare them right away, following the instructions on the package.
  2. Heather. 15 g of herbs are added to boiling water, after which you need to let it brew for several hours. This decoction is taken several times a day for a tablespoon.
  3. Centaury. 10 g of grass is poured with boiling water and infused. After that, the tincture can be taken half an hour before meals in a tablespoon.
  4. Ginger. You can add not only to tea. Cut off a small piece and chew thoroughly. Or grind it - you get a great seasoning for any dish.
  5. Air. The rhizome of the plant should be crushed to a powder state and taken in a teaspoon. This helps to eliminate discomfort and burning.

mineral water

Many pregnant women save themselves from heartburn with mineral water.

Juices

Freshly squeezed juices have a beneficial effect on the digestion process and gently eliminate heartburn:

  1. You can make juice from grapefruit.
  2. Potato juice is a good remedy. To do this, grate the vegetable on a grater and squeeze the resulting mass. At the first symptoms, one tablespoon of liquid should be taken. Medicinal properties juice is lost after 20 minutes, so you can only drink it fresh.
  3. Carrot juice has healing properties. The method of preparation does not differ from the previous one.

fresh carrot

This vegetable is great for helping with the first signs of heartburn. To do this, the washed and peeled vegetable should be grated. Under no circumstances should sugar be added. This will cause the opposite result and only increase the discomfort. Fresh carrots will help eliminate symptoms for several hours.

Milk

Good for chest heat. To do this, the milk must be heated to room temperature. Should be taken in small sips. You can add some almond powder. This tool is affordable and effective. It is easy to make at home and conditions.

Warm milk with almonds helps with heartburn attacks

Flax seeds

In any pharmacy you can buy flax and make a tincture. It is enough to pour a few seeds with boiling water and let it brew for about an hour. It should be taken little by little throughout the day. If the symptoms of heartburn become less pronounced, it is worth taking note of this remedy.

Honey

If heartburn is rare, then good option can become honeycombs. If discomfort occurs, chew a small piece. The wax contained in the honeycomb gently envelops the walls of the stomach and protects against the negative effects of acid. Also, the remedy is effective against inflammatory processes.

Prophylactic

by the most the best remedy always is prevention. Therefore, you should heed the advice of experienced professionals:

  1. Fractional nutrition should be introduced. You can eat small portions 6-7 times a day.
  2. Under no circumstances should you overeat. Because of this, gastric juice begins to be produced with increased intensity, which causes a feeling of heaviness and heat in the lower chest and in the epigastric zone.
  3. You need to eat slowly, meaningfully, chewing food thoroughly.
  4. You can not drink a lot of water during the meal. This stretches the walls of the stomach and leads to heartburn.
  5. Certain body positions should also be avoided. For example, after eating, it is better to stand or walk around for a while. It is not recommended to go to bed immediately after a meal.
  6. To make it easier to sleep, put a pillow under your back. When the upper body is in an elevated position, stomach acid does not enter the digestive tract.
  7. It has long been noticed that heartburn manifests itself in those women who sleep on their right side. Therefore, it is worth working on changing this habit.
  8. Pay attention to foods that cause irritation and try to eliminate them from your diet.
  9. It is worth wearing loose clothing that will not compress the chest and hinder movement.

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition, but do not panic and make hasty decisions. Of course, this phenomenon causes some discomfort, but does not bring any harm. But still, it is worth constantly monitoring this so that there are no complications in the form of gastritis and other serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diet and healthy lifestyle

Proper nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of heartburn.

With heartburn, you should adhere to proper nutrition:

  1. Fractional nutrition should be introduced. Portions should be small, just to satisfy hunger. This allows the stomach not to overwork when processing this food. Overeating causes a feeling of heaviness and slows down the digestion process.
  2. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. During sleep, the sphincter relaxes, which promotes the release of acid directly into the esophagus. Various problems can also arise that overload the digestive tract.
  3. The optimum food temperature is room temperature.
  4. Cooking, steaming or baking in the oven is recommended. Do not eat heavy fried foods. Smoked meats and dried foods should also be avoided.
  5. Experts advise replacing animal fats with vegetable ones. They contain a large amount of vitamin E, which is indispensable for the expectant mother. Vegetable oil coats the walls of the stomach and protects against the harmful effects of acid.
  6. It is worth drinking 2 liters of water a day. It is also good to drink milk and herbal teas against heartburn.
  7. It is better to limit the use of salt, as it retains fluid in the body and irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
  8. Keeping a food diary is a good idea. This way you can record which foods make you feel uncomfortable and which make you feel better.

If heartburn does not allow you to live peacefully during pregnancy, you should heed the following tips:

  1. You can not sleep on your back, as stomach acid goes directly into the esophagus. It is better to slightly raise the upper body. Use a soft pillow for this.
  2. Clothing should be loose and not restrict movement.
  3. Maintain correct posture.

Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is not harmful. If the discomfort becomes unbearable, then you can use folk methods. Medicines should only be taken with a doctor's prescription and for a limited amount of time.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus that usually occurs after eating. Have you ever experienced anything like this before pregnancy? Take heart, an unpleasant symptom is a faithful companion of 5 out of 10 pregnant women, even if there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract and being overweight. What causes heartburn and how to deal with it so as not to harm yourself or your child?

Causes of heartburn

The only cause of heartburn is the ingress of stomach acid into the esophagus. We will understand how the internal mechanisms of our body work. The passage between the esophagus and the stomach is blocked by muscular gates, which perform 2 functions: they allow food to pass through and prevent the contents of the stomach from escaping. Failure of this mechanism is due to various factors- from chronic diseases to banal overeating.

Features of heartburn during pregnancy

Unpleasant sensations in the esophagus can be removed quite easily - with medicines or products with neutral acidity. Pregnant women have a completely different situation: heartburn is often, acutely accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and it can be difficult to relieve it. This is because during pregnancy, the malfunctioning of the sphincter (muscular gate) is provoked by “unusual” factors:

  • - hormonal imbalance - the level of progesterone rises, causing the muscles of the "damper" to relax and let the gastric juice inside. It irritates the walls of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
  • - an increase in the uterus - it puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the muscular valve in the esophagus. This usually happens in the 3rd trimester, or earlier, for example, with multiple pregnancies.

Treatment of heartburn in pregnant women

Heartburn does not cause pleasant emotions, which are very important for a favorable pregnancy. She needs to be treated and not by grandmother's methods, but with the help of a doctor. The drugs of the antacid group help well: "", "", "", "". They give a triple effect:

  • - neutralize stomach acid;
  • - block the production of carbon dioxide (help to get rid of belching);
  • - relieve pain.

They should be taken with great care and only as directed by a doctor. This is important, since the listed drugs can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, calcium accumulation in the bones, that is, the risk to the health of the baby, although minimal, is not excluded. For example, Almagel A is not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation, as it contains benzocaine.

Prevention and nutrition for heartburn for pregnant women

As preventive measure against heartburn, expectant mothers need to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle. Eat healthy, low-fat foods - in small portions and well chewed. After meals and before bed, take a walk to reduce the load on the stomach, sleep so that the upper body is elevated.