Week 20 • Second Trimester
Heartburn & Acid Reflux at Week 20
Heartburn may begin as uterus rises
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Severity This Week: Mild
Heartburn may begin as uterus rises
💡 Tips for Week 20
- ✓Start avoiding trigger foods
📆 Second Trimester Overview
Begins mid-second trimester, affects 30-40%
🔍 What Causes Heartburn & Acid Reflux at Week 20?
- •Progesterone relaxing esophageal valve
- •Growing uterus pushing stomach upward
- •Slower digestion
- •Increased stomach pressure
- •Certain trigger foods
✓ Normal Signs
- ✓Burning after meals
- ✓Worse lying down
- ✓Relieved by antacids
- ✓Occasional discomfort
⚠ Concerning Signs
- ⚠Severe chest pain
- ⚠Difficulty swallowing
- ⚠Vomiting blood
- ⚠Black stools
- ⚠Weight loss
💊 Relief Strategies
- ✓Eat smaller, frequent meals
- ✓Avoid spicy, greasy, acidic foods
- ✓Don't eat 2-3 hours before bed
- ✓Sleep with head elevated
- ✓Tums or calcium carbonate antacids
- ✓Wear loose clothing
- ✓Chew gum to increase saliva
🏥 When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain not relieved by antacids
- ⚠Difficulty swallowing
- ⚠Vomiting blood
- ⚠Black, tarry stools
- ⚠Chest pain with shortness of breath