I’m pregnant and feel like food is stuck in my chest is more commonly heard than you would think. But it is not normally anything to worry about. Actually, it occurs very often in pregnancy and is referred to as heartburn or indigestion.
I’m Pregnant and Feel Like Food is Stuck in my Chest
Feeling like food is stuck in chest when you’re pregnant is a completely normal matter.
Many women have the same complaint during pregnancy, “I’m pregnant and feel like food is stuck in my chest.” Firstly let me be the one to say this is all quite normal and commonly called heartburn or indigestion. In fact, if you don’t suffer from heartburn during pregnancy then consider yourself lucky!
What are Heartburn and Indigestion?
Heartburn and indigestion are when acid and food are able to travel back up your esophagus leaving you feeling uncomfortable and in pain.
Why Am I suffering?
You are already growing another life so why is it that your body allows the pangs of heartburn to disrupt your day-to-day routines and wake you from your much-needed slumber?
The dreaded hormones are to blame! When you become pregnant you automatically produce more progesterone as well as the hormone relaxing. The clue is in the name but it works to help relax your muscles and unfortunately also your digestive system after all your organs need to move to make room for your new lodger. So with Relaxing the body can shift to where it needs to be as you grow.
In your esophagus, you have a valve that closes to keep all food and acid in your gut. When you produce high levels of progesterone and relaxin this valve can relax too much meaning that it doesn’t close completely. This allows anything you put in your mouth to either travel back up or let the burning acid enter your throat.
Progesterone also increases your stomach acid volume too so it’s no wonder it escapes and takes the easy route.
Trimester Troubles
During your second trimester you may find that you finally have the cute little baby bump. As you cradle your growing belly many things are going on inside.
Your uterus is expanding and pushing all your internal organs including your acid-filled stomach out of the way meaning that your heartburn may increase.
The third trimester brings you closer to the finishing line. With your baby now fully developed he/she is simply using this time to grow meaning less room for your stomach to hold in all its contents. Again this may mean that your heartburn and indigestion are going to get worse.
Symptoms
Heartburn and indigestion is not something to ignore. It is not life threatening but oh my it can make you feel miserable.
Many women have different experiences but if you have any symptoms below then there is no need to suffer in silence.
Check out the symptoms:
- Nausea.
- The feeling of food stuck in your throat.
- Burning.
- Not able to rest.
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Remedy to heartburn/ feeling of food stuck in throat and chest while pregnant
There are ways you can get a handle on your heartburn. Many moms feel like it’s something you have to live with whilst being pregnant but there are ways you can lessen the effects, so no need to suffer.
To settle a nauseating stomach then try eating foods containing ginger. Eating smaller meals often gives your squashed stomach the chance to digest your food. Drinking after meals rather than during can also help.
The burning sensation can be scary especially if you never suffered in the past. Luckily there are over-the-counter medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Ask your health care team for advice about the best medication to take.
Antacids are medications that neutralize excess acid. Drinking coconut water is also good as a neutralizer for excess acid. It’s amazing for hydration too! Not all remedies are safe during pregnancy so you must check with the doctor first.
If over-the-counter meds are not touching your symptoms then you can be prescribed proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
I found drinking milk or eating yogurt helped soothe a burning throat too.
FAQs to feeling food stuck in throat and chest
How can I stop heartburn at night during pregnancy?
If you are suffering then avoid eating three hours before bedtime. It also helps to sleep at an angle allowing gravity to keep acids in your gut rather than traveling upward.
What fruit is good for acid reflux?
Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are all low-acid fruits while packed with goodness they can also help with acid reflux.
Feels like food is stuck in my chest after eating while pregnant, what is it?
The first thing is not to panic as this is perfectly normal and is just heartburn or indigestion.
To help alleviate the feeling of food stuck in throat and chest while pregnant try eating smaller mouthfuls. Cutting your food up smaller can help digestion. Also choose foods that aren’t considered your trigger.
For me and many moms, anything citrus was a no go and I also suffered if I consumed caffeine, chocolate or any sweet treats. Don’t get me wrong, I did not stop eating desserts but I lessened the amount. It didn’t really bother me as I knew missing out on that sweet treat is far easier than sitting up at night in pain.
As mentioned above you can take medications to help stabilize your digestion and help minimize discomfort.
Wrapping Up
If you are pregnant and are thinking ‘I’m pregnant and feel like food is stuck in my chest, what can it be? Don’t panic it is perfectly normal but it’s a way of your body showing you it is doing things as it should. Producing hormones such as progesterone and relaxing allows your pregnancy to blossom even if you are grabbing at your throat after meals.
The main thing to consider is eating small and often, avoiding your trigger foods, and if all else fails you can take medication. Don’t suffer in silence, it can be painful at times but there is no need to worry.
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