Heartburn during pregnancy is common in nearly half of the women in the second trimester of pregnancy. Some have burning sensation in her throat or chest while others may have a feeling of large lump in her chest or throat. Though pregnancy heartburn is usually intermittent and mild, but it can be severe and very uncomfortable.

What Causes Pregnancy Heartburn?
During pregnancy, the heartburn is caused by physical and hormonal changes in the body. It is suggested that progesterone (hormone) produced by the placenta can cause relaxation of valve (lower esophageal sphincter; LES) that prevents the reflux of stomach acid from the stomach back into the esophagus.

Remedies for Pregnancy Heartburn
Listed below are some of the remedies for heartburn during pregnancy:

• Have Small and Frequent Meals: It is often recommended that pregnant women should eat 6 small meals every three hours instead of taking three large meals a day. Taking small and frequent meals can ease up the digestion process and lessen pressure on the stomach, thereby reducing heartburn.
• Right Sleeping Posture: It is believed that while sleeping you may raise your pillow by few inches. This can keep the stomach acid away from entering into the esophagus, thereby preventing pregnancy related heartburn.
• Give a Gap between Dinner and Sleeping Time: It is suggested that pregnant women may want to give a two hours gap between having dinner and going to bed at night. This can allow enough time for proper digestion of food, thereby reducing production of acid and preventing heartburn.
• Wear Loose Fitting Clothes: Doctors often suggest pregnant mothers to wear loose fitting clothes. This is because tight fitting clothes can elevate the pressure on your stomach leading to heartburn.