What to do if pregnant women have burning sensation in their stomach

Many women experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy. Although this condition is common and usually does not cause any harm, it can be uncomfortable. What causes heartburn in pregnant women? Most pregnant women experience symptoms of heartburn and stomach burns during pregnancy, and they feel very uncomfortable in this case. So what causes heartburn in pregnant women? Let’s take a look together below!

1. Causes of burning sensation in pregnant women's stomach

1. Changes in body growth hormone

Heartburn during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormone changes in the expectant mother's body and the body. During pregnancy, progesterone (also known as "corpus luteum") not only relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, but also relaxes the valve (pylorus) separating the esophagus and stomach, making it easier for gastric juice to reflux into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable feeling of heartburn.

2. Enlarged uterus

As the pregnancy progresses, the pregnant mother's uterus continues to expand, which will be pressed upward into the stomach, increasing the pressure in the stomach and slowing down the rate of gastrointestinal motility, causing gastric acid to stay in the stomach for a longer time. It is also easy for gastric acid to reflux into the lower esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the stomach. Heartburn is located in the upper abdomen or lower part of the shoulder blade. The incidence rate increases with the increase of pregnancy weeks. The symptoms are aggravated when the pregnant mother lowers her head, sits down or lies flat.

3. Diet

Acidic fruits and spicy foods contain irritating foods that often aggravate the burning sensation and are accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal tightness.

2. What should pregnant women do if they feel burning sensation in their stomach?

1. Eat effectively

Don't eat too much to avoid putting pressure on the stomach and causing the diaphragm to expand. Eat small and frequent meals with adequate intake. It is best to eat 2-3 hours before going to bed, so that there is enough time to digest the food. You can carry bubble gum with you and chew a piece after a meal to increase the secretion of saliva and neutralize stomach acid.

2. Raise your upper body

Pregnant mothers may wish to use pillows to raise their upper body when sleeping at night, so that the body and the bed surface are 10-15 degrees, which can alleviate reflux symptoms. However, do not pull your entire upper body up.

3. Clothing is relatively loose

Clothing should be loose fitting, which is not only comfortable but also can relieve reflux symptoms. Because clothes that are too tight will squeeze the waist and abdomen, putting pressure on the abdomen.

4. Taking medicine

Over-the-counter antacids containing magnesium or calcium may also help relieve your stomach discomfort, but be sure to consult a doctor before taking them because some well-known brands of antacids contain aluminum, aspirin, or large amounts of sodium. Under the guidance of a doctor, you can take alkaline drugs, such as aluminum chloride gel, Ledewei, or drugs that protect the gastric mucosa, such as sucralfate, Dile oral solution, etc., which can help relieve heartburn.