Heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common and harmless complaints. Between 40 and 80 percent of women suffer from heartburn during pregnancy - some already in the first weeks of pregnancy, other women the heartburn occurs only in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Because of the altered hormonal balance, the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach is weakened. When for example, the pressure from stooping or bending over can cause the acidic stomach contents to get up into the esophagus which leads to an unpleasant burning pain below the sternum. The thicker the belly gets, the more the child can press on the stomach, which can lead to heartburn as well.

The high production of progesterone and estrogen (yes, again hormones) is to blame for the unpleasant heartburn during the second half of pregnancy

As it happens, hormones relax the muscles of the digestive tract, including the muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid and digested food from refluxing into the esophagus causing a burning or stinging sensation. This general relaxation also causes slow digestion and bloating.

It's not only the acidity during pregnancy, there are causes that have nothing to do with pregnancy hormones, such as stomach acid to irritate the sensitive esophageal mucosa. But that is another matter.

There are many ways to make a positive impact when heartburn increases during pregnancy. This should first be tried before drug therapy is even thought of.

The doctor may prescribe a drug for heartburn when it is very painful and annoying. He will do this, but only after a careful cost-benefit analysis. He will always try to avoid any medications during pregnancy.

Heartburn is more common in the third quarter because as the uterus grows it is pressing on your stomach. But there are cases where the acidity appears from the beginning of pregnancy:

Try one of these acid reflux home remedies and tips to prevent heartburn during pregnancy.

Some tips for dealing with Acid Reflux

• Eat several small portions a day rather than three large meals.

• Don't Lie down after eating.

• Avoid greasy foods.These stimulate the production of stomach acid.

• The last meal should be at least 3 hours before bedtime.

• Raise the headboard of your bed a few inches.

• Eat small amounts several times a day and chew slowly.

• Avoid citrus fruits, raw leafy vegetables, sweets and fried foods.

• avoid yogurts, tea and caffeinated products

• eat cooked vegetables

• a glass of cold milk if you feel heartburn

• drink plenty of fluids, cold and in between.

• avoid sodas and alcohol

Try it almonds or hazelnuts. Chew two or three almonds or hazelnuts and mix it well with saliva. The mixture frequently neutralizes the stomach acid.

If despite these precautions, the heartburn persists, contact your doctor to get some allowed antacid.