WHAT IS HEARTBURN?

Burning in the epigastrium during pregnancy.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED

At least half of all pregnant women get heartburn.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Burning pain in the center of the chest and upper abdomen, frequently accompanied by an unpleasant taste or something sour coming up in the mouth.
• Frequent belching.

CAUSES

The term heartburn is a misnomer and is not associated with a heart disorder. It is caused by a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The valve that normally prevents this, becomes lax during late pregnancy allowing stomach juices to enter the esophagus and irritate its lining. This is because of the enlarged womb, which presses on the stomach.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Overeating or lying down immediately after eating
• Smoking.

HOW TO PREVENT

Avoid risk factors listed above.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Typical symptoms.
• History and examination by a doctor.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Inflammation and ulcer in the lower esophagus (rare).

PROBABLE OUTCOME

This is an uncomfortable but harmless condition. It disappears after the baby is born unless its cause is not related to pregnancy.

GENERAL MEASURES

• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Place books or blocks under the head of your bed to raise it about 4 inches (give line diagram).
• Don't smoke.

MEDICATION

Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder. Avoid ALL medicines while pregnant, if possible. If your doctor prescribes one, question him or her. Be sure the benefit outweighs the risk. As long as you can live with the symptoms, endure the discomfort without drugs or medicines.

ACTIVITY

Stay active. Avoid abdominal exercises that require bending.

DIET

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Don't eat just before bedtime.
• Avoid spicy food.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Avoid very hot or very cold drinks.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR, IF

• You have symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy. This should be diagnosed.
• The following occurs after diagnosis:
  • Simple measures don't bring relief.
  • You begin vomiting late in pregnancy.
  • You vomit material that has blood in it or looks life coffee grounds.
  • You have black or tarry stools.