Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable symptom that many pregnant women experience, especially during the last trimester. However, it can also occur early in pregnancy, often starting with the initial pregnancy symptoms. Because heartburn can last for a long time and significantly affect a pregnant woman’s activity, appetite, and mood, many women—and their mothers or grandmothers—sometimes attribute the severity of heartburn to the baby's gender. They believe, for example, that the type of fetus can influence how intense the heartburn feels.
Understanding Heartburn
Heartburn is a bothersome condition that can affect people of all ages, not just pregnant women. There is no specific stage of pregnancy when heartburn must occur; it can happen in the first trimester and typically worsens closer to delivery. Heartburn is a burning sensation usually felt in the upper abdomen, often caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Two hormones, progesterone and relaxin, cause the muscle between the esophagus and stomach to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus, which causes the burning feeling. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the stomach, increasing acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
It's important for pregnant women not to believe the myth that heartburn severity depends on the size of the baby or the amount of hair the baby has. The digestive system is completely separate from the uterus, so the baby cannot physically cause heartburn symptoms by its position or features.
Heartburn in Early Pregnancy and Morning Sickness
Heartburn often accompanies morning sickness, a common symptom in the first trimester. Hormonal changes cause nausea and sometimes vomiting, which irritate the stomach lining and can increase heartburn. Even women who do not vomit might still feel burning and fullness in the upper stomach, which makes eating uncomfortable. Frequent attempts to vomit—even when the stomach is empty—can cause mild bleeding and worsen the burning sensation because of small blood vessels in the esophagus being strained.
Why Heartburn Increases in the Third Trimester
In late pregnancy, the baby grows large and presses on the stomach and chest, causing feelings of fullness and bloating, which can reduce appetite and affect the baby's growth. Acid reflux becomes more frequent, causing discomfort, tiredness, bad taste, and even nausea. The baby’s size can also lead to frequent burping, which might embarrass the mother in social settings because she swallows more air when trying to breathe.
Tips to Reduce Heartburn During Pregnancy
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Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, divide your food into 5–6 small meals throughout the day to reduce stomach pressure and acid build-up.
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Chew food slowly and well: This prevents swallowing excess air that can worsen heartburn.
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Chew gum: It increases saliva production, which can neutralize stomach acid and reduce nausea.
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Avoid spicy, heavily seasoned foods: Especially traditional spicy dishes common in Arabic cuisine.
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Limit carbonated drinks and caffeine: Reduce intake of soda, coffee, tea, and cappuccino.
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Reduce fatty and sugary foods: Cut back on fast food and greasy meals.
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Avoid lying down immediately after eating: Wait a couple of hours before resting or sleeping.
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Sleep with your upper body elevated: Use a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed to prevent acid reflux.
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Drink herbal teas: Fresh peppermint tea and chamomile tea can soothe the stomach, but don’t overdrink chamomile as it may cause nausea.
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Limit acidic fruits and juices: Such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit; instead, eat more bananas which can help neutralize acid.
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Avoid tight clothing: Especially in late pregnancy, tight clothes can push stomach acid upward and worsen heartburn.
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