Heartburn and gastritis in pregnancy.
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include a burning sensation or pain in the chest, feeling full, heavy or bloated, burping or belching, feeling or being sick, and bringing up food.
Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and getting indigestion. You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 12 weeks onwards.
You get symptoms of indigestion when the acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or food pipe. This causes pain and a burning feeling.
When you're pregnant, you're more likely to have indigestion because of:
You may be more likely to get indigestion in pregnancy if you had it before you were pregnant, you've been pregnant before, or you're in the later stages of pregnancy.
Remedies & Management
Changes to your diet and lifestyle may be enough to control your symptoms, particularly if they are mild. Here are things you can do:
Wear loose and cotton dresses. Maintain a healthy weight, and take a 10 minutes walk (after main meals).
Propping your head and shoulders up when you go to bed can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep. Sleeping on your left side can also help.
Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Smoking relaxes the stomach muscle, and alcohol causes indigestion and long-term harm to the baby.
You're more likely to get indigestion if you're very full. Try to avoid eating more than you would normally, as it takes pressure off your stomach.
Eat small meals often. Don't eat within 3 hours of bed. Cut down on caffeine, spicy, and fatty foods. Yogurt or a glass of cold milk can quell symptoms.
If lifestyle changes don't work, consult a doctor. Antacids and alginates can neutralize or block acid. H2 blockers and PPIs may be prescribed.
