This is a burning sensation in the middle of your chest or upper digestive tract. It occurs because progesterone relaxes the muscle that is responsible for controlling the opening at the top of the stomach. Secondly, progesterone causes the stomach to empty more slowly so that as many nutrients as possible can be absorbed from the food you eat. The stomach gets compressed as you grow bigger. It may begin early, although it tends to become more severe later in pregnancy. Avoid sodium bicarbonate as it contains a lot of salt which will cause water retention.



• Avoid fatty and greasy foods, carbonated drinks, processed meats and junk food



• Eat slowly. The more slowly you eat, the more time the enzymes in your saliva have to break down the food before it reaches your stomach



• Eat less; heartburn is more likely to flare up if you overfill, in particular with carbohydrates Don't eat too close to bedtime



• Avoid lying flat on your back when you are resting or sleeping as this intensifies heartburn. Try propping yourself up on pillows



• Check with your doctor if you can take antacid to combat the problem.



• More on Heartburn during pregnancy