Severe Heartburn During Pregnancy: Relief & Solutions

Question
Hi- I am about 22 weeks pregnant and I am suffering from terrible heartburn.  I can't eat anything - Tums don't touch the pain.  I have also been noticing the past few days that I have been having a hard time keeping food down, After I eat I will burp or almost throw up and it burns so bad.  Could this be acid reflex?  Is there anything I can take that is more effective than tums?  I still have a ways to go and I can't imagine it being like this.  Any suggestions or help would be great.

Answer
You definitely have some acid reflux. At this time in pregnancy, the pylorus of your stomach is being pushed up by the pressure of the growing uterus on the diaphram. Thus, food stays in the stomach longer and it takes longer to empty the stomach. The hydrochloric acid that is made in the stomach sloshes around and up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and acid reflux. Mylanta liquid may help you. Sometimes Tums, Rolaids, Digel will also help. Drink plenty of water to flush out the esophagus and do not lie flat. Sometimes you may have to elevate the top of your bed or use several more pillows or sleep in a sitting position.