Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it the joy of a new baby growing inside of you. It can also bring on heartburn symptoms that you have never experienced before, or at least not to this degree. Pain or burning sensations in the chest or even burning in the back of the throat are all symptoms of heartburn that many women report during pregnancy. Any treatment options, including natural remedies, for these symptoms should be discussed with your physician in order to determine any potential adverse effects for you or your baby.

Pregnancy heartburn symptoms are often a result of fetal growth. During pregnancy the stomach moves upward to make room for the growing baby. This upward movement puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle found at the bottom of your esophagus. This pressure weakens or abnormally relaxes the LES, which works as a valve, opening to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach and closing to keep acid and other particles from flowing back up the esophagus.

During pregnancy, the pressure the growing baby puts on the stomach may cause the LES to open slightly and allow acid to flow back into your esophagus. The flow of acid causes heartburn or acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms should subside after giving birth; however, if they do not, you may have a more serious condition and need to see a gastroenterologist.