Are you still feeling Taco Tuesday on Wednesday morning? Do you find that you can’t leave home without a roll of Tums? Don’t stress. Heartburn is a super common issue during pregnancy. It has nothing to do with the heart, so rest assured. But it does involve a yucky, burning-like feeling in the chest, which is highly uncomfortable and annoying. Heartburn happens when the valve between the stomach + esophagus can’t prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax, which can increase the frequency of heartburn. The stomach acid will then pass into the esophagus and irritate the lining. Heartburn + indigestion are more common during the third trimester when your expanding uterus starts putting pressure on the intestines. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent heartburn. Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, rather than a few large meals. Also avoid spicy, greasy food. If you’re having heartburn, try eating some yogurt or milk, as dairy can help calm the acid in your stomach. If your heartburn is severe, call your doc and she might prescribe some mama and baby-safe medication.