Why does heartburn occur in late pregnancy?

Some pregnant women have problems in the late stages of pregnancy. In this case, it is necessary to take timely examinations to ensure the health of the pregnant woman, avoid dangerous situations caused by other problems, and ensure the safety and health of the fetus. So why does heartburn occur in the late stages of pregnancy? Let me introduce this issue to you below.

Heartburn during pregnancy is a normal reaction during pregnancy. It is also relatively common. It is caused by the fetus growing hair and nails. You should pay attention to reducing meat intake, eating small meals frequently, eating less fruit, and it is best to eat less spicy food. Do some appropriate exercise. As the gestational age increases, the heartburn will gradually decrease until it disappears.

Many women experience heartburn for the first time when they are pregnant. While this is common and generally harmless, it can be very uncomfortable.

Heartburn (also called acid reflux or heartburn) is a burning sensation caused by hormonal and physiological changes in the body that often extends from the base of the breastbone to the lower part of the throat.

During pregnancy, the placenta secretes progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. But this hormone can also loosen the valve separating the esophagus and stomach (called the cardia), causing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation.

Progesterone also slows down the wave-like contractions of the esophagus and intestines, making digestion slower. Later in pregnancy, your growing baby can also put pressure on your abdominal cavity, pushing stomach acid back up into your esophagus.

Many women begin to experience heartburn and other gastrointestinal discomfort during the second half of pregnancy. This discomfort usually occurs on and off before delivery.

What causes heartburn in pregnant women?

Pregnant women in the late pregnancy often experience a burning sensation, heavy pressure or burning pain behind the sternum and in the pit of the stomach, and often rise to the throat. It often occurs after sleep. It is also easy to induce when the body position changes from sitting or standing to lying, or when coughing, holding breath and straining to defecate. Heartburn can be aggravated after eating acidic foods or spicy foods. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as belching, nausea, and discomfort in the upper and middle abdomen.

This heartburn during pregnancy is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure and esophageal reflux as the pregnancy progresses. When esophageal reflux occurs, the acidic gastric contents can irritate the gastric mucosa and even cause reflux esophagitis. Due to the increased secretion of progesterone in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, it can affect esophageal motility and slow down the clearance of gastric contents that reflux into the esophagus, thereby aggravating reflux esophagitis.

The above is my opinion on this issue. If a pregnant woman has heartburn, it is very likely caused by the above problems. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to taking timely measures to deal with it to avoid dangerous situations caused by the above problems. Finally, I wish pregnant women a smooth and safe delivery.