Heartburn and indigestion (pregnancy sleep)

Why have I started getting heartburn?

Many women start getting heartburn and indigestion in the second half of their pregnancy. The burning sensation that is associated with heartburn often extends from the lower throat to the bottom of your breastbone. It usually comes and goes until your baby is born.

Heartburn is caused by both hormonal and physical changes to your body. During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. Progesterone also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing gastric acids to seep back up the pipe, which causes that uncomfortable sensation of heartburn. The hormone also slows the wavelike contractions of the stomach, making digestion sluggish.

As time goes on in your pregnancy, your growing fetus crowds the abdominal cavity, slowing the elimination of waste from your body and pushing up the stomach acids into your throat. The same process that causes you discomfort actually benefits your baby because nutrients that linger in your bloodstream can be absorbed more fully into your baby's system.


What can I do about it?

There's no sure-fire way to avoid getting heartburn or indigestion, but you can take some steps which might reduce the likelihood of it happening:

• Avoid rich or spicy dishes as well as chocolate, citrus fruit or juices, coffee and alcohol.
• Eat little and often and chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Give yourself two or three hours to digest any meals before going to bed.
• Sleep with two or three extra pillows to keep your head propped up in bed. You can also try sleeping upright in a comfortable chair.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing, especially around your waist.
• If none of the above help, talk to your doctor about an over-the-counter antacid that is safe to use during pregnancy.