What Is Heartburn During Pregnancy

Is It A Boy Or Girl Busting 6 Pregnancy Myths

How can I ease heartburn during pregnancy?

Myths and Old Wives Tales

You know what Im talking about: If you have more hair on your legs than normal then youre having a girl. Or depending on how you carry the baby , you can determine its sex.

While your friends and family mean well with their input, dont put a lot of faith into their predictions.

Ive heard it all since I started delivering babies both from parents just looking for some reassurance, and even from others during my own pregnancy.

So lets clear up some of the more common myths often associated with pregnancy.

Myth No. 1: Heartburn during pregnancy means a hairy baby.

The truth is, theres no association between heartburn and the amount of hair on your newborn. You could have a lot of heartburn and deliver a completely bald baby. Acid reflux is common during pregnancy but not an accurate barometer for the number of hair bows you may need to purchase.

Myth No. 2: Low fetal heart rates mean its a boy.

Hate to break it to you, but again, no association with heart rate and the gender of your baby. Bottom line: We want all babies to have a normal heart rate. Once things progress in the pregnancy, we get more insight into gender.

Myth No. 3: If I have severe nausea, its a girl.

There might be some truth to this one. There can be a slight connection between severe nausea and vomiting in the first trimester and having a baby girl but there is certainly no guarantee.

Myth No. 4: Hair dyes can be harmful to the baby.

Predictions and Advice

Heres What Other Mamas Have To Say About Relieving Heartburn During Pregnancy Naturally

I asked the moms on my Facebook page about their go-to natural remedies for pregnancy heartburn, and here is a sample of their responses.

  • Apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, digestive enzymes! Katie Keepman
  • An apple in the morning and right before bed. Elsa Silva
  • It may sound weird, but I would either drink a little pickle juice, or eat a spoonful of peanut butter and within about 5-10 minutes was gone. Jessica Fields
  • Baking soda in a little bit of water helped! Was it gross? A little, but still more enjoyable than heartburn! Erin M. Strand
  • Maybe not the healthiest, but I always had ginger snaps next to my bed. I ate one or two at night for the heartburn and another one or two in the morning for the nausea. Sarah Gilroy
  • I didnt treat my heartburn with any natural remedies, but did learn that bad heartburn can often present itself as nausea/morning sickness! Women who experiences bad nausea/MS should consider your remedies as well! Renee Jillian
  • So far, wearing hazelwood helps some. Not perfect, but helps a little. Susan Miller
  • I had heard to eat a few green olives. So when a pregnant friend was needing relief, I suggested her to try itand it works!!! Shawna Beaubien
  • Liquid slippery elm works instantly! Ashly Burke-Goike

If You’re Taking Prescription Medicines

Speak to your GP if you’re taking medicine for another condition, such as antidepressants, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine.

Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless you’re advised to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional who’s responsible for your care.

You May Like: Early Pregnancy Implantation Rash

Boy: Craving Savory Foods

Women who are expecting girls are supposed to crave all manner of sweet treats, whereas women who are expecting a boy are more likely to be craving chips, steak and everything savory.

This does appear to have some evidence among moms, although not scientific. Moms who are stocking up on donuts and chocolate may be told they are having girls.

While cravings are a natural part of pregnancy, one theory about why we crave certain foods is that our body has a deficiency in a certain vitamin or mineral, rather than an indication of the babys gender.

Pregnancy Itself Ups Your Risk Of Heartburn

Acid Reflux During Pregnancy: Home Remedies and Lifestyle ...

Normally, there are certain factors like your weight, whether you smoke, and your genes that can increase your likelihood of heartburn. But when youre pregnant, its the pregnancy itself that makes you more susceptible.

There are two main factors, says Renee Wellenstein, DO, who is a double board-certified OB-GYN. One thats hormonal and one thats physical.

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux, when food and digestive fluids, which contain acids, back up in your esophagus and create that uncomfortable burn. That backup can happen when youre pregnant because you have higher-than-usual progesterone levels, which can one slow digestion and two relax the muscle, called the esophageal sphincter, that separates your esophagus and stomach.

Combined, these two factors create the perfect storm for heartburn because the slow digestion can lead to more backup in your esophagus and the relaxed muscle makes it easier for acid to creep through.

The other factor is the growing uterus that physically pushes up on the stomach as it grows, says Wellenstein.

As a result, heartburn does tend to get worse throughout pregnancy. Fortunately, all those changes to your body that cause heartburn during pregnancy quickly disappear after you give birth. So, at least thats something you can look forward to leaving behind at the hospital when you bring your newborn home.

Recommended Reading: When To Take Heartburn Medicine

Read Also: Kinesio Tape For Pregnancy Round Ligament Pain

Which Pregnancy Myths Are Actually True

Will eating spicy food during pregnancy make your child go blind? Can cocoa butter prevent stretch marks? Does a chronic stomach ache mean your baby will be a boy? OB/GYN Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses these and other common pregnancy old wives tales.

Dr. Jones: If you have heartburn when youre pregnant, it means that your baby will have a lot of hair when its born. Really? This is Dr. Kirtly Jones from Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Utah Health, and this is The Scope of Some Myths About Pregnancy, on The Scope.

Announcer: Covering all aspects of womens health, this is The Seven Domains of Womens Health with Dr. Kirtly Jones on The Scope.

Dr. Jones: Pregnancy is mysterious, and what is going on in there is mostly unseen and to my biologic eye, magical. There are outcomes that are good and some less than good, and we cannot explain all of them based on scientifically proven cause and effect. So we turn to myths and old wives tales. Some of these exist back to before there were well-defined scientific methods, and some are new. Lets look at a few.

Number two, your babys heart rate can determine the sex of your baby. Higher heart rates are a boy, lower is a girl. Thats a no. There is no evidence that the heart rate is determined by the babys sex.

Four, cocoa butter prevents stretch marks. That one is a no. But it does smell good and it makes your skin feel soft, so go for it if you like it. But it makes your sheets greasy.

What Week Does Heartburn Start In Pregnancy

When does heartburn start in pregnancy? You can, of course, feel these symptoms at any time . Many mamas-to-be feel them right from the starting line and will complete the whole course with this nasty collection of symptoms.

However, according to the NHS, theyre most likely to kick in hard around 27 weeks or after.

You May Like: Do Bananas Help With Bloating

Read Also: Kt Tape Pregnancy Round Ligament Pain

Diet Nutrition And Lifestyle

What and how you eat can make all the difference with heartburn during pregnancy.

Try:

  • Eating smaller meals throughout the day
  • Making your main meal at lunchtime, which takes pressure off the digestive tract later in the day when the body is tired or ready for bed
  • Avoiding food a couple hours before bed or a nap
  • Sitting upright after eatinglying down can push stomach contents back up
  • Propping your head up with a couple of pillows while sleeping

Avoid:

  • Tight fitting clothes. They put even more pressure on your organs.
  • Liquids while you eat. This dilutes your digestive juices, making them less effective.
  • Eating the following aggravating acidic foods:
  • Chocolate
  • Caffeinated and sugar beverages, like tea, coffee, soda, etc.
  • Onions
  • Spicy, fatty, rich, and fried foods
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Large quantities of meat in one sittingthe body works harder if overloaded or too rich
  • Iron supplements, since they can cause heartburn. Check with your doctor to see if changing to a liquid supplement might be an option.
  • Again, adding and subtracting certain foods and behaviors daily will help build a more balanced foundation for your wellness.

    Pregnant? Get my FREE week-by-week updates! Week by Week Promo

    Track your babys growth, find safe and natural remedies, and have fun along the way!

    Why Treat Heartburn And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

    Heartburn during pregnancy

    Heartburn and acid reflux are traditionally considered innocuous because they are common in pregnancy and are usually self-limiting. However, a recent study suggests that GERD is associated with an increase in the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy , which can have serious negative effects on a womans quality of life. In a prospective cohort study conducted by the Motherisk Program, 194 pregnant women with NVP and heartburn or acid reflux were compared with 188 pregnant women with NVP who did not have heartburn or acid reflux. The 2 groups were assessed for severity of NVP with the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea score, which is a validated scoring tool based on frequency and duration of nausea, vomiting, and retching in the past 24 hours, with a high score indicating more severe NVP. Quality of life was measured by the well-being score, with 0 being the worst and 10 being the best. Forty-eight percent of women in the control group had severe NVP according to the PUQE, compared with 75% in the group with heartburn and acid reflux. The mean well-being score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the group with heartburn and acid reflux .

    Also Check: Can Pregnant Women Use Vagisil

    Can You Have Heartburn At 2 Weeks Pregnant

    It is very common in your first few weeks of being pregnant and can continue throughout your entire pregnancy. If you are not usually gassy, you might want to give this not-so-eloquent sign your attention. Another early pregnancy symptom of pregnancy may be a change in your digestion, like heartburn.

    Slippery Elm Bark And Marshmallow Root

    Some mamas find relief from mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm bark and marshmallow root. Due to their gummy consistency, they coat the intestines and soothe digestion. Be sure to use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner and away from food and supplementsthey can interfere with nutrient absorption.

    Recommended Reading: Giving Plasma While Pregnant

    Heartburn During Pregnancy Prevention

    Heartburn during pregnancy is bothersome, especially in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The following measures can help you to get relief from heartburn during pregnancy.

    • Foods that increases the likelihood of heartburn are tomatoes, onion, garlic, coffee, citrus food, fatty meal, etc. You need to avoid these foods during pregnancy to avoid heartburn.
    • Instead of taking 2 or 3 major meals, eat small meals throughout the day, so it will give better digestion and fullness of stomach will also be less. So chances of getting heartburn during pregnancy will be less.
    • Avoid lying down after taking meals. It is better not to lie down for at least three hours after taking meals.
    • Avoid taking snack late at night.
    • Avoid tight fitting clothes as it gives pressure to the stomach, so stomach content squeeze out more easily into the food pipe causing heartburn.
    • Elevating head of bed is very helpful when heartburn occurs especially at night.
    • Avoid taking caffeinated drink and alcohol because these cause relaxation of LES. So chances of stomach acid back up into the food pipe increases, as a result heartburn also increases.
    • Avoid smoking during pregnancy. We all know smoking has many detrimental effects on health, it also causes heartburn during pregnancy because smoking causes relaxation of the muscular valve lower esophageal sphincter at the junction where esophagus meets the stomach. So stomach contents can go back to the food pipe from the stomach causing heartburn.

    When Should I Talk To My Doctor

    How to get rid of heartburn when pregnant naturally ...

    If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms , you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.

    Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.

    Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. Research indicates that medications called H2 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.

    Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesnt respond to other treatments.

    If youre concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.

    Don’t Miss: Vagisil Pregnant

    What Symptoms Do You Get When Your 1 Week Pregnant

    Pregnancy symptoms in week 1 nausea with or without vomiting. breast changes including tenderness, swelling, or tingling feeling, or noticeable blue veins. frequent urination. headache. raised basal body temperature. bloating in the belly or gas. mild pelvic cramping or discomfort without bleeding. tiredness or fatigue.

    How Can You Tell Your Pregnant By Your Discharge

    A number of signs and symptoms indicate early pregnancy, including: Spotting and cramping. A few days after conception, the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of your uterus, a process that can cause spotting and cramping. White, milky vaginal discharge. Breast changes. Fatigue. Nausea. Missed period.

    You May Like: Braces While Pregnant

    If Youre Taking Prescription Medicines

    Speak to your GP if youâre taking medicine for another condition, such as antidepressants, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine.

    Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless youâre advised to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional whoâs responsible for your care.

    Read Also: I Have Heartburn All The Time

    Early Pregnancy Signs: Heartburn Gas Tender Breasts And More

    How can I ease heartburn during pregnancy? – Reston Hospital Center

    Think you might be pregnant? Here are the most common pregnancy signs in the first month.

    When youre hoping to be pregnant and you havent missed your period yetor its a day or two lateits pretty easy to interpret nearly any physical symptom as a sign of pregnancy. Its not uncommon to feel symptoms in the first week or two of your pregnancyor even earlier. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms from the moment of conception, says Karen Nordahl, a general practitioner and obstetrician in Vancouver and co-author of Fit to Deliver. Usually, this is second- or third-time moms who remember a particular sensation, such as increased gas. But many first-time moms miss these early pregnancy signs because the very first symptoms arent necessarily the ones we associate with having a baby on the way. So, yes, while some women experience nausea or hypersensitivity to smells, these seven symptoms are among the most common during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

    Read Also: Vagisil And Pregnancy

    What Causes Heartburn In 3rd Trimester

    Uterus enlarging: As your baby grows, your uterus gets bigger. It can crowd your stomach and push stomach acids upward, into your esophagus. Thats why heartburn is more common during the third trimester, the last few months of pregnancy. The baby and uterus are biggest then, crowding your other organs. via

    Whats The Best Way To Get Rid Of Heartburn While Pregnant

    Proven ways to cool the burn

  • Watch what you eat.
  • Eat frequent small meals instead of three a day.
  • Sit up straight when you eat.
  • Dont eat within three hours of going to bed.
  • Dont smoke.
  • Elevate your head 6 to 9 inches when you sleep.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing.
  • Drink after meals, not with them.
  • 13 . 2019 .

    Read Also: Does Xanax Help With Ibs

    Don’t Miss: Can I Get Lasik While Pregnant

    Prevention Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

    Some tips that may help you cut down on heartburn during your pregnancy include:

    • Eat several small meals each day instead of three large ones.
    • Eat slowly.
    • Avoid fried, spicy, or rich foods or any foods that seem to cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of heartburn.
    • Donât smoke tobacco or drink alcohol, which can make heartburn symptoms worse.
    • Drink less while eating. Drinking large amounts while eating may increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.
    • Don’t lie down directly after eating.
    • Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or place pillows under your shoulders to help prevent stomach acids from rising into your esophagus.
    • Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight-fitting clothes can increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.
    • Try to avoid constipation.

    When Can I Expect The Heartburn To End During Pregnancy

    32 Best Images Heartburn During Pregnancy And Baby Hair ...

    Unfortunately, heartburn is a symptom you’re likely to experience throughout your entire pregnancy if you have it at all.

    In fact, even if you escaped indigestion early on in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you’ll have a surge starting around the second or third trimesters, when your uterus takes over your abdominal cavity and forces your stomach upwards.

    Fortunately, the burn should clear up as soon as you give birth.

    Recommended Reading: Sore Breasts After Mirena Removal

    Heartburn Medication To Avoid During Pregnancy

    Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids. Some contain ingredients that may harm you or your baby. Be sure to not to take these medications:

    Ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA stopped sales of an H2 blocker called ranitidine because it was contaminated with a cancer-causing agent. If you take OTC ranitidine, stop your use. If you have a prescription for ranitidine, talk to your doctor about other options before you stop your medication.

    Show Sources

    Related Posts

    Recent Stories