Heartburn, often described as a burning sensation in the chest and throat, is a common discomfort during pregnancy. This sensation occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus. Approximately half of pregnant individuals experience heartburn, particularly as pregnancy progresses into later stages.
Is Heartburn a Sign of Labor?
While heartburn is a common experience in late pregnancy, an increase in heartburn is not a reliable indicator of labor. Heartburn often intensifies in the third trimester due to the growing uterus placing more pressure on the stomach.
As pregnancy nears its end, some individuals may notice “lightening,” where the baby drops lower into the pelvis. This shift may alleviate pressure on the stomach, potentially reducing heartburn.
However, for others, the general bodily changes and hormonal shifts in late pregnancy may lead to increased heartburn, even if it’s not directly tied to labor onset. True signs of labor include regular, intensifying contractions, the breaking of the amniotic sac (water breaking), and changes in the cervix.
Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn throughout pregnancy stems from physiological changes. One primary reason is the influence of pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone.
Progesterone causes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach, to relax. This relaxation allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation.
Beyond hormonal effects, the increasing physical pressure from the growing uterus on the stomach contributes to heartburn. As the baby grows, the uterus expands, crowding the abdominal cavity and pushing the stomach upward. This increased pressure can force stomach contents and acid into the esophagus, leading to heartburn symptoms.
Managing Heartburn in Late Pregnancy
Managing heartburn in the final stages of pregnancy involves adjustments to diet and lifestyle. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones, can help prevent the stomach from becoming overly full and reduce reflux. It is also beneficial to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.
Lifestyle modifications alleviate symptoms. Avoiding eating within three hours of bedtime and elevating the head and shoulders while sleeping can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Specific foods known to trigger heartburn, such as spicy, fatty, acidic foods (like citrus fruits and tomato-based items), chocolate, and caffeinated or carbonated beverages, should be limited or avoided. Over-the-counter antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum offer relief by neutralizing stomach acids, but consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.