Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 31-34

Week 31

Baby: Your baby can hear distinct sounds, including familiar voices and music.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus now fills a large part of your abdomen, and you've probably gained 21-27 pounds. You're probably anticipating the birth -- it won't be long now.

Tip of the Week: Practice your breathing and relaxation exercises.

Week 32

Baby: Your baby measures about 18.9 inches long from head to toe and weighs almost 4 pounds. Baby fills almost all the space in your uterus now, but may still have enough room to do somersaults. A layer of fat is forming under your baby's skin. The baby is practicing opening his eyes and breathing.

Mom-to-be: You'll probably start seeing your practitioner every two weeks until the last month, when you'll likely switch to weekly visits. You may continue to get backaches and leg cramps. You may also notice a yellowish fluid, called colostrum, leaking from your breasts -- it comes before milk production.

Tip of the Week: You might be carrying differently from others at the same stage of pregnancy. Whether you're carrying higher or lower, bigger or smaller, wider or more compact depends on the size and position of the baby, your body type, and how much weight you've gained. For more comfort, drink plenty of fluids, elevate your legs when sitting, lie on your left side, and wear support stockings.

Week 33

Baby: The next few weeks will mark lots of growth in the baby. The baby will gain more than half its birth weight in the next seven weeks. Your baby begins to move less now as it runs out of room and curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest, and arms and legs crossed.

Mom-to-be: You've gained 22-28 pounds by now. Of the pound a week you're gaining now, roughly half is going to your baby.

Tip of the Week: It's safe to keep having sex with your partner, though you may be too uncomfortable. Talk with your partner about other ways to remain intimate, including back rubs and foot massages.

Week 34

Baby: Your baby measures about 19.8 inches from head to toe and weighs about 5 pounds. The baby is probably settling into the head-down position, although it might not be final. Organs are now almost fully mature, except for lungs, and the skin is pink instead of red. Fingernails reach the ends of fingers, but toenails are not yet fully grown.The baby might have lots of hair and may not move as often, due to the tight fit.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus hardens and contracts as practice for labor, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, but you may not feel them yet. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache, especially at the back. The uterus is pushed hard against your lower ribs and your rib cage may be sore, and your navel is probably pushing out as a result of your abdomen being stretched.

Tip of the Week: Start thinking about whether you want to try breastfeeding. You may want to consult a lactation expert or simply talk with friends or relatives who can share their experiences.

What's Happening Inside You?

By the end of these four weeks, your baby will weigh as much as 5 pounds. Your baby continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. The baby's brain is developing rapidly at this time, and he or she can hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.

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Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 26-30

Week 26

Baby: Your baby's hearing is fully developed. As the baby reacts to sounds, its pulse increases.Your baby will even move in rhythm to music. Lungs are still growing but are not yet mature. Patterns of your baby's brain waves appear like a full-term newborn. He or she also has patterns of sleeping and waking.

Mom-to-be: The baby's constant movements should be reassuring. You'll be putting on weight at the rate of about 1 pound per week now. You may be feeling some rib pain as your baby grows and pushes upward on your rib cage. The pressure may also be causing indigestion and heartburn. You may also feel stitch-like pains down the sides of your abdomen as your uterine muscle stretches.

Tip of the Week: If you're planning to return to work, you might want to begin checking out child care in your area. Nannies cost about $250 to $600 per week, group day care typically ranges from $125 to $200 per week, and home day care runs from about $75 to $125 per week. Stay open-minded about various child care arrangements.

Week 27

Baby: Your baby's hands are active. Thumb-sucking calms the baby and strengthens cheek and jaw muscles. Your baby can cry now.

Mom-to-be: You may see stretch marks as your uterus continues to expand. Most women have gained about 16 to 22 pounds by now. Your balance and mobility also may be changing as you grow larger.

Tip of the Week: During your last trimester, you should talk to your doctor or midwife about the delivery. They can let you know about signs to predict labor and how far apart the contractions should be before going to the hospital or birth center. It's also the time to begin interviewing pediatricians and to take care of other logistics, like pre-registration at the place where you'll give birth and a birthing plan, which is what you envision your labor and delivery will be like, if you plan to do one. This plan should be written in your patient record or attached to it in the form of a birth plan.

Week 28

Baby: Your baby measures about 10 inches from crown to rump, or a total length of about 15.75 inches from head to toe, and weighs about 2.4 pounds. Brain waves show rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means your baby may be dreaming. Eyelids are opening. Branches of lungs are developing.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus extends well above your navel. As the baby gets bigger and stronger this month, you may be experiencing leg cramps    and mild swelling of ankles and feet, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, lower abdominal achiness, clumsiness, or scattered Braxton Hicks contractions (hardening and relaxing of the uterus, like a rehearsal for labor). You may also be urinating more frequently again as the uterus continues to push on your bladder.

Tip of the Week: Even if your partner is planning on being with you in the delivery room, you might want to consider hiring a doula -- a professional labor assistant who provides support, but not medical aid, for the mother and her partner. Studies show that doulas can shorten a woman's labor and reduce the likelihood of needing pain medication, forceps or vacuum deliveries, or a cesarean section.

Week 29

Baby: Yourbaby's eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight or artificial light through the uterine wall. The baby is performing fewer acrobatics as conditions in the womb become more cramped, but he's still doing a lot of kicking and stretching.

Mom-to-be: You've probably gained 19-25 pounds. You still have some time to go, so you may want to remind yourself of signs of premature labor, including menstrual-like cramps or lower back pain, a trickle of amniotic fluid, or a watery pinkish or brownish discharge preceded sometimes by the passage of a thick, gelatinous mucus plug. Tell your health care provider ASAP if that happens -- they can sometimes stop labor from progressing with bed rest, medications, and possibly also hospitalization.

Tip of the Week: Your blood pressure typically may rise a little around the seventh month. Tell your health care provider if you get severe headaches; blurred vision; severe swelling of hands, feet, or ankles; or if you gain a lot of weight. These symptoms could signal the beginning of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition marked by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine during pregnancy.

Week 30

Baby: Your baby measures about 17 inches from head to toe and weighs about 3 pounds. Baby is growing plumper and beginning to control its own body temperature. Eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed, and hair on the head is getting thicker. Head and body are now proportioned like a newborn's. Hands are now fully formed and fingernails are growing.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus is about 4 inches above your navel, and it may be hard to believe you still have about 10 weeks to go as the baby continues to push on your ribs. You may be feeling more discomfort in your pelvis and abdomen. You'll probably be gaining about a pound a week.

Tip of the Week: The membranes around the baby that contain the amniotic fluid are called the bag of water. They usually do not break until just before the onset of labor, but if they break prematurely, an infection becomes more likely, so call your health care provider immediately.

What's Happening Inside You?

Your baby changes position frequently and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light. At the end of the seventh month, fat begins to be deposited on your baby.

The amniotic fluid begins to diminish. 

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Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Now that you've reached the third trimester, you're in the home stretch of your pregnancy. You've only got a few more weeks to go, but this part of your pregnancy can be the most challenging.

In this article, you'll learn what to expect during your third trimester of pregnancy. You'll find out which symptoms are normal, and which ones may warrant a call to your doctor.

Changes in Your Body

Backache. The extra weight you've gained is putting added pressure on your back, making it feel achy and sore. You might also feel discomfort in your pelvis and hips as your ligaments loosen to prepare for labor. To ease the pressure on your back, practice good posture. Sit up straight and use a chair that provides good back support. At night,sleep on your side with a pillow tucked between your legs. Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes with good arch support. To relieveback pain, use a heating pad and ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to take acetaminophen.

Bleeding. Spotting may sometimes be a sign of a serious problem, including placenta previa (the placenta grows low and covers the cervix ), placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall), or preterm labor . Call your doctor as soon as you notice any bleeding.

Braxton Hicks contractions. You might start to feel mild contractions, which are warm-ups to prepare your uterus for the real labor to come. Braxton Hicks contractions often aren't as intense as real labor contractions, but they may feel a lot like labor and can eventually progress to it. One main difference is that real contractions gradually get closer and closer together -- and more intense. If you're red in the face and out of breath after your contractions, or they're coming regularly, call your doctor.

Breast enlargement.   By the end of your pregnancy, your breasts will have grown by as much as 2 pounds. Make sure you're wearing a supportive bra so your back doesn't suffer. Close to your due date , you may start to see a yellowish fluid leaking from your nipples. This substance, called colostrum, will nourish your baby in the first few days after birth.

Discharge . You might see more vaginal discharge during the third trimester. If the flow is heavy enough to soak through your panty liners, call your doctor. Close to your delivery date, you might see a thick, clear, or slightly blood-tinged discharge. This is your mucus plug, and it's a sign that your cervix has begun dilating in preparation for labor. If you experience a sudden rush of fluid, it may mean that your water has broken (although only about 8% of pregnant women have their water break before contractions begin). Call your doctor as soon as possible after your water breaks.

Fatigue.  You might have been feeling energetic in your second trimester, but are weary now. Carrying extra weight, waking up several times during the night to go to the bathroom, and dealing with the anxiety of preparing for a baby can all take a toll on your energy level. Eat healthy food and get regular exercise to give yourself a boost. When you feel tired, try to take a nap, or at least sit down and relax for a few minutes. You need to reserve all your strength now for when your baby arrives and you're really not getting any sleep.

Frequent urination . Now that your baby is bigger, the baby's head may be pressing down on your bladder . That extra pressure means you'll have to go to the bathroom more frequently -- including several times each night. You might also find that you're leaking urine when you cough , sneeze, laugh, or exercise. To relieve the pressure and prevent leakage, go to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge and urinate completely each time. Avoid drinking fluids right before bedtime to cut down on unwanted late-night bathroom visits. Wear a panty liner to absorb any leakage that does occur. Let your doctor know if you experience any pain or burning with urination. These can be signs of a urinary tract infection.

Heartburn and constipation . They're caused by extra production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes certain muscles -- including the muscles in your esophagus that normally keep food and acids down in your stomach , and the ones that move digested food through your intestines . To relieve heartburn, try eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day and avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus fruits). For constipation, increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. If your heartburn or constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what medications may be safe for you to take for symptom relief.

Hemorrhoids . Hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins -- swollen veins that form around the anus. These veins enlarge during pregnancy because extra blood is flowing through them and the weight of pregnancy increases the amount of pressure to the area. To relieve the itch and discomfort, try sitting in a warm tub or sitz bath. Ask your doctor whether you can also try an over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointment or stool softener.

Shortness of breath. As your uterus expands, it rises up until it sits just under your rib cage, leaving less room for your lungs to expand. That added pressure on your lungs can make it more difficult to breathe. Exercising can help with shortness of breath. You can also try propping up your head and shoulders with pillows while you sleep.

Spider and varicose veins. Your circulation has increased to send extra blood to your growing baby. That excess blood flow can cause tiny red veins, known as spider veins, to appear on your skin . Spider veins may get worse in your third trimester, but they should fade once your baby is born. Pressure on your legs from your growing baby may also cause some surface veins in your legs to become swollen and blue or purple. These are called varicose veins. Although there's no way to avoid varicose veins, you can prevent them from getting worse by:

• Getting up and moving throughout the day
• Wearing support hose
• Propping up your legs whenever you have to sit for long periods of time.

Varicose veins should improve within a few months after you deliver.

Swelling. Your rings might be feeling tighter these days, and you may also notice that your ankles and face are looking bloated. Mild swelling is the result of excess fluid retention ( edema ). To reduce swelling, put your feet up on a stool or box whenever you sit for any length of time, and elevate your feet while you sleep. If you have sudden onset of swelling though, seek medical attention immediately as it may be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication.

Weight gain. Aim for a weight gain of 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week during your third trimester. By the end of your pregnancy, you should have put on a total of about 25 to 35 pounds (your doctor may have recommended that you gain more or less weight if you started out your pregnancy underweight or  overweight ). The extra pounds you've put on are made up of the baby's weight, plus the placenta, amniotic fluid , increased blood and fluid volume, and added breast tissue. If your baby seems to be too small or too big based on the size of your belly, your doctor will do an ultrasound to check his growth.

Red Flag Symptoms

Any of these symptoms could be a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy. Don't wait for your regular prenatal visit to talk about it. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Bleeding
• Severe dizziness
• Pain or burning during urination
• Rapid weight gain (more than 6.5 pounds per month) or too little weight gain

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Second Trimester Tests During Pregnancy

Here are the prenatal tests that may be performed in the second trimester of your pregnancy:

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and multiple marker screening:One or the other is offered routinely in the second trimester. This test is an optional genetic screening test and as with all screening tests, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons to see if it is right for you.

 The MSAFP test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by the fetus. Abnormal levels indicate the possibility (but not existence) of Down syndromeor a neural tube defect such as spina bifida, which can then be confirmed by ultrasound or amniocentesis.

When blood drawn for the MSAFP test is also used to check levels of the hormones estriol and hCG, it's called the triple test. When a marker called inhibin-A is added to the screen, it is known as the quad marker.

 The quad marker test significantly boosts the detection rates for Down syndrome. The test picks up about 75% of neural tube defects and 75%-90% of Down syndrome cases (depending on the mother's age), but many women will have a false-positive screening. About 3% to 5% of women who have the screening test will have an abnormal reading, but only a small percentage of those women will actually have a child with a genetic problem.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) screening: This cell-free fetal DNA test can be done as early as after 10 weeks of pregnancy. The test uses a blood sample to measure the relative amount of free fetal DNA in a mother's blood. It's thought that the test can detect 99% of all Down syndrome pregnancies. It also tests for some other chromosomal abnormalities.

Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds (sonograms) are commonly offered week 20, although they may be done at any time during a pregnancy. A sonogram may be offered for a variety of reasons, including verifying a due date, checking for multiple fetuses, investigating complications such as placenta previa (a low-lying placenta) or slow fetal growth, or detecting malformations like cleft palate.

 Sometimes, if there are findings suspicious for a genetic abnormality seen, you may be referred to a specialist or for further genetic testing. During the procedure, a device is moved across the abdomen that transmits sound waves to create an image of the uterus and fetus on a computer monitor. New three-dimensional sonograms provide an even clearer picture of your baby, but they aren't available everywhere and it's not clear whether they're any better than two-dimensional pictures in contributing to a healthy pregnancy or birth.

Glucose screening: Typically done at 24 to 28 weeks, this is a routine test for pregnancy-induced diabetes, which can result in overly large babies, difficult deliveries, and health problems for you and your baby. This test measures your blood-sugar level an hour after you've had a glass of a special soda. If the reading is high, you'll take a more sensitive glucose-tolerance test, in which you drink a glucose solution on an empty stomach and have your blood drawn every hour for 2-3 hours.

Amniocentesis: This optional test is usually performed between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy (but can be done earlier) for women who are 35 or older, have a higher-than-usual risk of genetic disorders, or whose MSAFP, multiple marker, or cell-free DNA test results were suspicious.

 The procedure is done by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the amniotic sac and withdrawing fluid that contains fetal cells. Analysis can detect neural tube defects and genetic disorders. The miscarriage rate after amniocentesis varies depending on the experience of the doctor performing the procedure, averaging about 0.2% to 0.5% at 15 weeks, but the test can detect 99% of neural tube defects and almost 100% of certain genetic abnormalities.

Fetal Doppler ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through a blood vessel. Fetal Doppler ultrasound can determine if blood flow to the placenta and fetus is normal.

Fetoscopy: Fetoscopy allows a doctor to see the fetus through a thin, flexible instrument called a fetoscope. Fetoscopy can detect some diseases or defects that cannot be found by other tests, such as amniocentesis, ultrasound, or chorionic villus sampling. Because fetoscopy carries significant risks for the mother and fetus, it is an uncommon procedure that is only recommended if there is a much higher-than-normal chance that the baby will have an abnormality.

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Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.

Here is what you need to know about round ligament pain, including some tips to help you feel better.

Causes of Round Ligament Pain

Several thick ligaments surround and support your womb (uterus) as it grows during pregnancy. One of them is called the round ligament.

The round ligament connects the front part of the womb to your groin, the area where your legs attach to your pelvis. The round ligament normally tightens and relaxes slowly.

As your baby and womb grow, the round ligament stretches. That makes it more likely to become strained.

Sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, like a rubber band snapping. This causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling.

Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain can be concerning and uncomfortable. But it is considered normal as your body changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms of round ligament pain include a sharp, sudden spasm in the belly. It usually affects the right side, but it may happen on both sides. The pain only lasts a few seconds.

Exercise may cause the pain, as will rapid movements such as:

• sneezing
• coughing
• laughing
• rolling over in bed
• standing up too quickly

Treatment of Round Ligament Pain

Here are some tips that may help reduce your discomfort:

Pain relief. Takeover-the-counter acetaminophen for pain, if necessary. Ask your doctor if this is OK.

Exercise. Get plenty of exercise to keep your stomach (core) muscles strong. Doing stretching exercises or prenatal yoga can be helpful. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you and your baby.

A helpful exercise involves putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head, and pushing your backside into the air.

Avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly (such as standing up or sitting down) to avoid sudden movements that may cause stretching and pain.

Flex your hips. Bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze, or laugh to avoid pulling on the ligaments.

Apply warmth. A heating pad or warm bath may be helpful. Ask your doctor if this is OK. Extreme heat can be dangerous to the baby.

You should try to modify your daily activity level and avoid positions that may worsen the condition.

When to Call the Doctor

Always tell your doctor about any type of pain you have during pregnancy. Round ligament pain is quick and doesn't last long.

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

• severe pain
• pain that lasts for more than a few minutes
• fever
• chills
• pain on urination
• difficulty walking

Belly pain during pregnancy can be due to many different causes. It is important for your doctor to rule out more serious conditions, including pregnancy complications such as placenta abruption or non-pregnancy illnesses such as:

• inguinal hernia
• appendicitis
• stomach, liver, and kidney problems

Preterm labor pains may sometimes be mistaken for round ligament pain.

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Back Pain in Pregnancy

The good news is, your baby is growing. That's exactly what should be happening -- but it can still be tough on your back.

You've got lots of company -- most pregnant women experience back pain, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy.

You should know that there are things you can do to minimize your back pain. Here's what helps.

Causes of Back Pain in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint.

There are many possible reasons why it happens. Here are some of the more likely causes:

• Weight gain . During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight. That can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
• Posture changes. Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually -- even without noticing -- begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain.
• Hormone changes. During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
• Muscle separation. As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles (the rectal abdominis muscles), which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
• Stress . Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

Treatments for Back Pain in Pregnancy

More good news: Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain will likely ease gradually before you give birth.

Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:

• Exercise . Regular exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility. That can ease the stress on your spine. Safe exercises for most pregnant women include walking, swimming , and stationary cycling. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises to strengthen your back and abdomen.
• Heat and Cold . Applying heat and cold to your back may help. If your health care provider agrees, start by putting cold compresses (such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. After two or three days, switch to heat -- put a heating pad or hot water bottle on the painful area. Be careful not to apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.
• Improve your posture. Slouching strains your spine. So using proper posture when working, sitting, or sleeping is a good move. For example, sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees will take stress off your back. When sitting at a desk, place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support; rest your feet on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders back. Wearing a support belt may also help.
• Counseling. If back pain is related to stress, talking to a trusted friend or counselor may be helpful.
• Acupuncture . Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into your skin at certain locations. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in relieving low back pain during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider if you're interested in trying it.
• Chiropractic. When performed correctly, chiropractic manipulation of the spine can be safe during pregnancy, but consult with your doctor before seeking chiropractic care.

More tips:

• If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend over.
• Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
• Don't sleep on your back.
• Wear support hose.

If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your doctor to see what else you might try. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.

When to Seek Treatment From a Doctor

Back pain, by itself, usually is not a reason to call your doctor. But you should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain
• Increasingly severe pain or pain that begins abruptly
• Rhythmic cramping pains
• Difficulty urinating or “pins and needles” in your extremities

In rare cases, severe back pain may be related to problems such as pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, or septic arthritis. Rhythmic pains may be a sign of preterm labor. So if you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be checked by your doctor.

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Pregnancy and Heartburn

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.) Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid and is a common pregnancy complaint, especially in the third trimester when the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach.

With gravity's help, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching; then it closes again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, back into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous, but chronic heartburn can indicate serious problems, such as gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. Heartburn is a daily occurrence for 10% of Americans and 50% of pregnant women. It's an occasional nuisance for another 30% of the population.

Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Common heartburn symptoms reported by pregnant women include:

• A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone (the sternum) that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours
• Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating
• Burning in the throat -- or hot, sour, or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
• Belching
• Chronic coughing
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms

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