Why:
Instead, heartburn is triggered by an increase in the hormone progesterone, along with increased pressure caused by the enlarging uterus, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

What You Can Do:
Pregnant women can treat and relieve their heartburn symptoms through lifestyle and dietary changes. The following tips can help reduce heartburn discomfort:

No late-night binges!
Avoid eating late at night or before retiring to bed. Wait at least three hours after eating before going to bed. When you lie down, it’s easier for stomach contents (including acid) to back up into the esophagus, particularly when you go to bed with a full stomach.

Don’t pull the trigger.
Common heartburn triggers include greasy or spicy food, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauces, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits.

Take advantage of “tent” sales.
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.

Graze, don’t feast.
Eat smaller meals. Overfilling the stomach can result in acid reflux and heartburn.

Other Options:
If lifestyle changes do not alleviate symptoms, some drugs are safe to use. For a complete list of heartburn medications that are considered safe to use during pregnancy, visit the American College of Gastroenterologists Web site, www.acg.gi.org/physicians/pdfs/PregnancyMonograph.pdf.

Source: American College of Gastroenterologists