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Susan Winograd, MSPT, presents pregnancy heartburn relief video — pregnant woman experiencing acid reflux with breathing and relief strategies for third trimester heartburn

7 Ways to Find Relief From Heartburn During Pregnancy + Helpful Breathing Strategies

Up to 80% of pregnant women deal with heartburn by the third trimester — but that doesn't mean you have to just suffer through it. In this post, Susan Winograd, MSPT, breaks down the real causes of pregnancy heartburn (hormones and mechanics) and shares simple, physical-therapy-backed strategies — from breathing techniques to sleep positioning — to help you find relief.
Picture of About Susan Winograd, MSPT

About Susan Winograd, MSPT

Susan Winograd, MSPT, is a licensed physical therapist, pelvic floor specialist, and founder of Pelvicore Rehab & Wellness in Boca Raton, Florida. She earned her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the College of Staten Island in 1998 and has spent nearly 30 years developing deep clinical expertise in pelvic floor dysfunction, women's and men's pelvic health, pre and postnatal care, chronic pelvic pain, and scar tissue release therapy. Susan takes a whole-body approach to healing — identifying and treating the root cause of her patients' symptoms rather than managing them in isolation. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and has been featured on multiple health and wellness podcasts as a recognized pelvic floor specialist in South Florida.

Is your pelvic floor behind your symptoms?

Pain, pressure, leaking, or discomfort — these are signals your body is sending that something needs attention. Susan has helped hundreds of patients in Boca Raton get to the root cause and heal for good.

If heartburn during pregnancy has been creeping up on you lately, especially now that you’re in your third trimester, you’re in good company — up to 80% of pregnant women experience pregnancy heartburn by this stage. The good news? It’s not a sign that something’s wrong, and there’s a lot you can do to find relief.

What Causes Pregnancy Heartburn?

There are two main drivers behind pregnancy heartburn: hormones and mechanics. Progesterone, one of the key pregnancy hormones, relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, making it easier for acid to travel upward. At the same time, your growing uterus pushes up into your abdomen, leaving your stomach and diaphragm less room to work — increasing pressure and pushing acid up even further.

How Breathing Affects Pregnancy Heartburn

Your diaphragm plays a bigger role in reflux than most people realize. Shallow, chest-based breathing increases abdominal pressure and can make heartburn worse. Practicing 360-degree (umbrella) breathing — expanding your ribs in all directions as you inhale — helps create more space for your diaphragm and can ease symptoms.

Simple Lifestyle Tips to Relieve Pregnancy Heartburn

Susan Winograd, MSPT, shares several practical strategies to manage pregnancy heartburn, including:

  • Avoiding lying down right after eating
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals
  • Sipping fluids between meals instead of during
  • Sleeping on your left side
  • Watching for common trigger foods (spicy, citrus, chocolate, caffeine)
  • Chewing sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva production

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Pregnancy Heartburn

If your reflux is severe or persistent — especially if it’s affecting your sleep, nutrition, or quality of life — reach out to your healthcare provider. Safe treatment options are available during pregnancy.


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📺 Related: Urinary Leaking During Pregnancy: Why Kegels May Not Be the Answer! | Part 1

You don't have to just manage this.

Most pelvic floor conditions are highly treatable — and most patients see meaningful improvement within just a few sessions. Susan offers a free 15-minute discovery call so you can ask questions, understand your options, and take the first step toward feeling better. No commitment required.

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