What to do if pregnant women have esophageal burning

We all know that during pregnancy, due to the increase of progesterone in the body, pregnant women's bodies will undergo many changes. In the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women induced by progesterone will experience pregnancy reactions such as nausea and vomiting. They will also feel a burning sensation in the esophagus when eating. As the pregnancy progresses, this burning sensation may become more and more severe. So what should pregnant women do if they have a burning esophagus?

This "heartburn" feeling 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.

When lying down, the diaphragm is raised, and when coughing, holding breath and straining to defecate, the intra-abdominal pressure increases, which can increase the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and aggravate the symptoms. Acidic and spicy diets can irritate the inflamed esophageal mucosa, which can naturally aggravate the symptoms. When you eat too much, the intragastric pressure increases, which can easily induce esophageal reflux. Fatty foods, chocolate, strong tea, coffee and aromatic foods can reduce the tension of the smooth muscles in the lower esophagus and aggravate esophageal reflux.

Why do expectant mothers experience heartburn?

1. Generally speaking, the decrease in pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and the enlargement of the uterus will increase the pressure in the stomach, causing the acidic gastric contents to flow back, thus causing heartburn.

2. Reflux esophagitis. The reflux of gastric contents such as gastric acid can cause inflammation of the esophagus and even cause ulcers. Chest discomfort and heartburn are the first signs of this disease.

3. Gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcers can occur anywhere in the stomach, usually in the lesser curvature, between the body and lower part of the stomach. Under normal circumstances, there is a layer of mucus on the gastric mucosa, which protects it from erosion by gastric acid and digestive juices. If the protein is damaged and comes into contact with the epidermal cells of this protective membrane, a stomach ulcer will form. Symptoms include stomach pain and heartburn, which usually improve after eating but may recur about 2-3 hours later.

Expectant mothers need to pay attention to their diet in daily life, mainly low-calorie, high-energy foods, and supplement nutrients according to the different periods and stages of pregnancy. Spicy and sour foods should be used with caution to avoid causing stomach disgust, stomach acid, esophageal acid reflux, etc.