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Overview
It's fairly common for a woman to suffer from heartburn, also referred to as acid indigestion, while pregnant. This condition usually sets in around the second or third trimester, and may ultimately last until the woman gives birth. Even women who've never had this digestive disorder are susceptible during their pregnancy. Actually, over 50 percent of women who are pregnant will most likely experience some sort of symptoms that are linked to heartburn.
The Burn
Many women will experience a burning sensation somewhat isolated to the middle of their chest--hence the name. It will usually run right along the breastbone and last for a few minutes to a couple of hours. Typically, this will happen soon after eating, but may in fact flare up after they've awakened.
The Pain
Often accompanying the burn is the pain. Again, this will generally be isolated to the same area of that unpleasant burning sensation. It could be a dull to sharp discomfort that lasts for a few seconds, yet may well last longer depending on the severity of the women's digestive condition. While it will most often follow a meal, some women have also suffered this pain when they recline onto their backs or during periods of physical exertion, making it a troubling symptom and leading many people to believe they're actually having a heart attack. On occasion, this symptom does present itself during times of stress.
The Burn (Part II)
Besides that burning sensation in the chest, pregnant women have also been known to experience an equally undesirable burn that basically runs up their throat. However, this unique symptom doesn't necessarily stop there. Often times, this burn will bring with it a rather sour taste that hits the back of the throat and runs into the mouth. Yes, this can be as distasteful as it sounds. When the flavor isn't sour, it will have the tang of something you've just eaten or almost an acidic bite. And much like the pain, this doesn't always happen after meals. It may also come about during times of rest, mostly due to the fact that you're lying down.
The Bottleneck
Probably one of the most annoying of the symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy is the impasse you may begin to experience. Basically, it will feel as if you've gotten something lodged in your esophagus, usually right around the same area of the pain (mid-chest). Yet, this bottleneck isn't really a bottleneck at all, merely a sensation. You don't actually have anything stuck in your throat, and no matter how much water you drink, it won't go away. Much like all the other symptoms, it will eventually subside.
The Bloat
Many women will also begin to experience a certain amount of bloating associated with heartburn while they are pregnant. This will commonly cause gas and a different sort of discomfort than the already annoying chest pain. A number of expectant mothers will also notice an increased amount of belching, which is really minor compared to the other symptoms. While this symptom will generally be more aggravating than anything else, some women have also suffered some stomach pain as a result of the bloating and gas.
The Fullness
Another common symptom of heartburn while pregnant is more of an impression than a full-blown symptom. Soon-to-be mothers have occasionally noticed an overwhelming sense of fullness upon eating, even when they've just begun their meal.
