Up to 80% of women during pregnancy experience a feeling of discomfort or burning just above the stomach, in the upper abdomen, and simply heartburn. It can occur repeatedly during the day, and each attack has a duration of several minutes or measured in hours. Sometimes heartburn is almost continuous. At the end of pregnancy, this phenomenon usually goes away by itself. But the inconvenience it creates causes the need to find out why there is heartburn during pregnancy, the causes of this condition and methods of dealing with it.
When does heartburn occur?
The appearance of discomfort is noted in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy or in the second half, often from 30 weeks. Often, heartburn begins to be felt after eating. It can also occur in a supine position or after physical activity that carries a load on the stomach, including the torso of the body.It may be accompanied by a feeling of nausea or burping. Sometimes heartburn in the late stages of pregnancy is characterized by the appearance of unpleasant sensations, which are not dependent on the use of food or drinks.
Causes of discomfort
The culprit of the annoying burning sensation in the lower part of the esophagus is the hormonal restructuring of the body that occurs during pregnancy. An increase in the concentration of hormones in the blood necessary for the successful bearing of a child affects all organs sensitive to them, and the digestive system is no exception.
Progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles and ensures normal uterine tone and fetal safety, also affects the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxing it. Normally, the compressed sphincter blocks, like a valve, the access of food and gastric juice from the stomach back to the esophagus., , . .
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Heartburn itself during pregnancy, the reasons for which lie in the results of irritation of the esophagus mucosa with gastric contents, is only a symptom. The disease accompanied by this symptom is called reflux esophagitis. It consists in irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus located in its lower third. The normal level of acidity of the medium (pH) for the esophagus is 6.0. Getting into its lower section of acidic gastric juice irritates the mucous membrane and provokes an inflammatory process.
Is heartburn dangerous?
The presence of heartburn during pregnancy does not affect its outcome. Usually, unpleasant sensations pass by themselves after childbirth, when the hormonal regulation of the body is configured for lactation, and not for maintaining the baby inside the mother's body., . – , .
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For example, esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be performed to study the condition of the esophagus and stomach. If necessary, the duodenum can be examined. Also, the doctor should be notified if severe heartburn is felt during pregnancy. It may require medical treatment.
Exposure to Progesterone
Progesterone, called the hormone of pregnancy, performs several important functions during its course.First of all, it prevents an unwanted miscarriage. The proteins of the fetus growing in the uterus are perceived by the immune system of the mother as foreign. In such a situation, it will initiate the body's attempts to get rid of the foreign object.
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When using drugs during pregnancy, it is necessary to take into account their effect on both the maternal organism and the fetus. There are anti-heartburn drugs that contain bismuth nitrate. For example, vikalin and vikair used for diseases of the stomach.Pregnant this substance is contraindicated. Before taking pills for heartburn during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor.
The same rule applies to traditional medicine. In addition to correcting the condition by taking medication, changes in nutrition and physical activity may be effective in controlling heartburn. Alternatively, these measures may prove to be a useful complement to drug treatment.
Simple Ways to Combat Heartburn
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A medical treatment for heartburn should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual indications and contraindications of each patient. With complaints of heartburn, he may be interested in the current diet, as well as whether this condition happened before pregnancy.As a rule, medications are prescribed when severe discomfort or lifestyle changes are felt, and non-pharmacological methods have failed. If the patient has constant heartburn, the reasons for which are unclear, before prescribing a particular medicine, the doctor will conduct the necessary examination.
Among the remedies prescribed for pregnant women with heartburn may include:
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In view of the above, stressful situations should be avoided. The husband and other family members should provide the expectant mother with a calm, friendly atmosphere and moral support, which will positively affect not only her well-being, but also the health of the unborn child.