Home Sitemap

Pregnancy

Understanding heartburn / indigestion in pregnancy

Both heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion are common in pregnancy and tend to become more so as the pregnancy progresses. In fact, by the third trimester nearly three quarters of pregnant women will suffer from heartburn. (Reference: 72% - 1 Source: Marrero JM, Goggin PM, de Caestecker JS, Pearce JM, Maxwell JD. Determinants of pregnancy heartburn. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1992;99: 731-4)

There are two main reasons why heartburn and, to a lesser extent, indigestion are common at this time. Firstly, because the surge in the hormone progesterone causes muscles to relax. This includes the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach. When this relaxes, stomach acids are able to travel back up into the oesophagus (food pipe) causing heartburn.

During the latter stages of pregnancy symptoms can also be caused by the baby physically putting pressure on the woman's digestive tract.

There are some simple steps you can take if you are pregnant and suffering from heartburn or indigestion, such as eating a healthy diet, sitting and/or sleeping in a more upright position and keeping weight gain within the recommended limits.

Gaviscon Double Strength provides fast and effective relief from heartburn and indigestion and is suitable for use during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your Health Care Professional.

Treatments

During pregnancy you will naturally be wary about taking medicines, however you need not put up with the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion.

Gaviscon Double Strength is suitable for use during pregnancy and breast feeding. This is because it is a remedy known as an alginate. Alginates work with the body by forming a thick layer on top of the stomach contents which prevents the acid rising into the oesophagus (food pipe) – they do not enter the bloodstream.

Gaviscon Double Strength has double the concentration of sodium alginate compared to the Original formula – but still works with the body rather than entering the bloodstream so despite its extra strength, it still works in the same way and is suitable for use during pregnancy.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your Health Care Professional.