Why does heartburn start
DURING PREGNANCY?
Heartburn is very common during pregnancy especially during the third trimester. Heartburn affects 22% of women in the first trimester, 39% in the second and up to 72% in the last1. This is because during pregnancy your body produces hormones that can slow down digestion and can cause the muscular valve between the oesophagus and the stomach to relax.
As a result, stomach acid is more likely to leak into the oesophagus and cause a burning pain in the chest and throat. The increasing pressure on your stomach as your baby grows can also force the acid into the oesophagus.
Don’t worry, it does not harm the baby, but it can be extremely uncomfortable. Welcome relief can be found with Rennie which can be taken during pregnancy as long as it is taken according to the instructions*.
*Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
1. Vasquez JC. Heartburn in pregnancy. BMJ Clinical Evidence 2015. 09. 1411.
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