This can happen for several reasons. The first is when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES is weakened or relaxed and doesn t do its job properly. The LES is what keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. Basically, this is the most common symptom for GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Sugars, fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol can weaken or relax the LES, which can let stomach acid reflux to the esophagus, causing heartburn. Heartburn is a condition that millions of people today are suffering from. It is also an age-old condition that people have been experiencing. You have to keep in mind that heartburn is a common condition that is treatable and even preventable. First of all, you have to remember that heartburn is in no way related to any heart condition. This will help in decreasing the production of stomach acid. Also, you should try eating your food slowly as this will be able to help reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Secondly, you need to avoid certain foods. If you love spicy food, such as Mexican food, then you may want to cut back on this type of food while you are pregnant. However, this is not really the cause. You have to remember that heartburn occurs when the stomach acid travels up or refluxes in to the esophagus. In most cases, this happens when you lie down after having a big meal. Heartburn can cause a painful burning sensation on your chest and this can really prevent you from having a good night sleep. Chronic heartburn happens when people start experiencing the condition every single day. And, this can really have the ability to take control of your life. Chronic heartburn will rob you of a normal life. You won t be able to sleep because of the pain and also reduce your activities because of the discomfort you will experience from heartburn. In fact, millions of people all over the world suffer from this kind of condition and it is also a condition that existed for centuries or most probably since man first walked the earth. First of all, you need to remember that heartburn is in no way related to the heart. As a matter of fact, heartburn is a digestive condition where stomach acid comes in contact with the esophagus.