Heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. This complaint can appear in early pregnancy or before delivery. Although not dangerous, pregnant women still have to be vigilant when experiencing heartburn, especially if it feels heavy or accompanied by other symptoms.
Heartburn during pregnancy can be caused by many things. For pregnant women who have entered the final trimester of pregnancy, this complaint can be a sign of early labor.
Meanwhile, at a younger gestational age or early pregnancy, heartburn during pregnancy may be caused by an enlarged uterus, pain in the ligaments or supporting tissues of the uterus, and digestive disorders.
However, heartburn during pregnancy can sometimes be caused by certain conditions, such as miscarriage or premature labour.
Heartburn as an Early Sign of Labor
Heartburn during pregnancy which is a sign of labor will usually appear when the gestational age is approaching the due date. The appearance of heartburn will generally also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Rupture of membranes
- The appearance of brownish mucus or mixed with blood from the vagina
- Urinating more often
- Uterine contractions that feel stronger and tighter
- Lower back pain
To relieve heartburn during pregnancy accompanied by severe contractions, pregnant women can do the following:
- Move around or walk a lot at home, but avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Breathe in deeply, then exhale slowly for a few minutes.
- Practice relaxation techniques, for example with pregnant women's yoga or meditation.
- Meet your body's fluid needs by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks.
- Consume foods that contain lots of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to improve digestion and treat heartburn due to constipation.
- Take a warm bath or apply a warm compress to the stomach that feels heartburn.
If the heartburn can be overcome with the ways above, the complaint may not be something dangerous or not a sign of labor.
However, if your heartburn is getting worse or accompanied by signs of labor, pregnant women should immediately consult a gynecologist or midwife.
Heartburn During Pregnancy as a Sign of False Contractions
Heartburn in the early to late pregnancy can also be a sign of false contractions or known as Braxton-Hicks. This condition is characterized by intermittent uterine contractions.
False contractions actually have started to occur in early pregnancy, but tend to be felt in the early second or third trimester of pregnancy.
In addition to heartburn, other signs of false contractions include contractions that are painless, irregular in pattern, tend not to last long, and may disappear when the woman changes body position or performs certain activities, such as walking.
Sometimes, false contractions are difficult to distinguish from real contractions and can mimic signs of preterm labor. Therefore, pregnant women need to be aware of heartburn during pregnancy as a possible symptom of preterm labor, especially if heartburn is accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:
- Contractions are getting tighter and stronger felt before the gestational age reaches 37 weeks
- Uterine contractions occur more than 5 times in 1 hour
- Contractions almost like menstrual cramps that come and go in the lower abdomen
- Rupture of amniotic fluid or discharge from the vagina
- Pressure on the pelvis due to the baby moving down
- Discharge of mucus or brown spots accompanied by blood from the vagina
Heartburn During Pregnancy Due to Other Conditions
In addition, there are also several other conditions that can cause heartburn during pregnancy such as constipation, indigestion, and ligament pain (round ligament pain) which are generally harmless.
However, pain or heartburn during pregnancy can sometimes also be a sign of serious conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, miscarriage, urinary tract infection, to preeclampsia.
Heartburn during pregnancy due to this medical condition usually appears along with other symptoms, such as dizziness, weakness, vaginal bleeding, fever, and heartburn accompanied by severe abdominal pain.
If the feeling of heartburn during pregnancy only appears occasionally and goes away on its own, chances are that the complaint is not a dangerous condition.
However, if the feeling of heartburn during pregnancy lasts a long time, feels worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, then pregnant women should consult a gynecologist regarding the complaints they feel so that the doctor can take the right treatment.
