Heartburn in Pregnancy: Causes and How to Calm It
Introduction
Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common occurrence among expectant mothers.
In this article, I will talk about the causes behind its onset in the various periods of gestation and the advice - effective and scientifically proven - to calm it.
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Heartburn in pregnancy: when does it start?
Heartburn during pregnancy – otherwise known as gastric pyrosis – can appear early on in the pregnancy journey.
As highlighted in this 2015 article , several studies over the years have highlighted that, in the first trimester, the prevalence of heartburn during pregnancy is approximately 22%.
Causes of heartburn in the first trimester of pregnancy
As just specified, heartburn during pregnancy is an event that you can deal with right away.
During the first trimester, the cause that causes it is hormonal in nature.
It all comes down to the action of progesterone , commonly referred to as the “ quiescent hormone ”.
This hormone, which has the task of keeping the embryo anchored to the endometrium and, in the initial phase, of providing it with nourishment, acts by slowing down the body's functions.
Together with relaxin, it causes a reduction in intestinal peristalsis and relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
The result of this is the reflux of gastric juices into the pit of the stomach , resulting in heartburn.
Heartburn in the Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Here's What to Know
The cause of heartburn during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters is very different from what we have just described.
As the journey of waiting progresses, we must consider the mechanical compression exerted by the uterus , which can multiply its initial volume a hundredfold at the end of the wait, on the organs, including the stomach.