Heartburn During Pregnancy: Myths, Causes, and Relief

Nausea and heartburn are among the most common pregnancy symptoms. While uncomfortable, they are often considered reassuring signs of a healthy pregnancy. Still, many pregnant women search for safe ways to ease these symptoms, especially in the later months when heartburn becomes more intense.

Some cultural beliefs link heartburn to the baby’s hair growth, suggesting that the more heartburn a woman has, the thicker her baby’s hair will be. To clarify these myths, Nadormagazine spoke with Dr. Amal Abdullah, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, who explained the real causes of heartburn in pregnancy and offered practical tips for relief.

Why Does Heartburn Increase in Late Pregnancy?

Heartburn is not unique to pregnancy—it can affect anyone. However, it tends to be more frequent and intense during the final trimester.

Hormonal changes: Progesterone and relaxin hormones relax the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow back upward.
Physical pressure: As the uterus expands, it pushes against the stomach, worsening reflux and heartburn.
Digestive slowdown: Hormones also slow digestion, leading to bloating, gas, and a constant feeling of fullness.

These factors combined often leave expectant mothers with discomfort, nausea, fatigue, and frequent belching. In some cases, reduced food intake due to heartburn may even slow the baby’s weight gain in late pregnancy.

The Myth: Baby’s Hair and Heartburn

Some believe that heartburn means the baby will be born with thick hair. What’s the truth?

Heartburn results from increased progesterone levels, which relax esophageal muscles.
Progesterone also influences fetal development, including hair growth.
Therefore, both heartburn and thicker baby hair may be linked to the same hormone, but one does not directly cause the other.

In fact, a 2006 study found a correlation between mothers experiencing more heartburn and babies with more hair. However, experts agree that the connection is hormonal coincidence, not a cause-and-effect relationship.

Tips to Reduce Heartburn in Late Pregnancy

Dr. Amal Abdullah recommends the following strategies:

Eat smaller, frequent meals – Split three large meals into six light ones to reduce stomach acid buildup.
Chew slowly and thoroughly – This reduces swallowed air, which worsens bloating and reflux.
Chew sugar-free gum – Stimulates saliva, helping neutralize stomach acid.
Avoid trigger foods and drinks – Spicy foods, heavily spiced dishes, fatty meals, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and sweets can worsen heartburn.
Don’t lie down right after eating – Wait at least 2–3 hours, and when resting, elevate your head and chest with pillows.
Try soothing herbal teas – Moderate amounts of fresh mint or chamomile tea may help calm the stomach (but avoid excess chamomile as it may increase nausea).
Choose non-citrus fruits – Bananas are especially helpful in reducing acidity, while citrus fruits can worsen it.
Wear loose clothing – Tight outfits in late pregnancy can increase acid reflux.

Key Takeaway

Heartburn in pregnancy is uncomfortable but normal, especially in the last trimester. While it may coincide with your baby’s hair growth, the two are not directly connected—both are simply influenced by pregnancy hormones.

By following simple lifestyle and diet adjustments, expectant mothers can significantly reduce discomfort and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy journey.