Pregnancy is meant to be a wonderful time, but it can come with some tummy troubles for many women. From indigestion to bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even heartburn, these digestive issues can sometimes take away from the joy of expecting a baby.
A simple guide with helpful tips to ease heartburn during pregnancy, offering comfort and relief for expectant mothers. Read on!
Source: More than 50% of women get heartburn during pregnancy.
What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy include:
1. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones can affect digestion by slowing down the movement of food through your digestive system. This delay can lead to bloating and heartburn.
2. Relaxation of the esophageal sphincter
The hormone progesterone, which increases during pregnancy, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. This relaxation allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
3. Enlargement of the uterus
As your baby grows, your uterus expands and can press against your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward into the esophagus. Heartburn tends to be more common during the third trimester when the uterus and baby are larger and exert more pressure on the surrounding organs.
10 Natural Remedies For Pregnancy Heartburn Relief
Here are some safe and effective ways to relieve heartburn during pregnancy:
- Yogurt: The probiotics and soothing texture of yogurt can help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
- Milk with honey: Mixing a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk can neutralize acid and provide relief from heartburn.
- Almonds: Snacking on a handful of almonds can help reduce heartburn since they have a lower acidity level compared to other nuts.
Source: Benefits Of Almonds During Pregnancy
- Pineapple or papaya: Digestive enzymes found in pineapple and papaya can aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of heartburn when consumed after meals.
- Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, making it effective for heartburn relief.
- Sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal can reduce acid reflux and alleviate heartburn symptoms.
- Chamomile tea: Drinking chamomile tea can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, potentially providing relief from heartburn symptoms.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a bland and easily digestible food that can absorb excess stomach acid, making it a suitable choice for reducing heartburn discomfort.
- Slippery elm: Slippery elm is an herb that forms a soothing gel when mixed with water. Consuming slippery elm may help coat and protect the esophagus, providing relief from heartburn.
- Doctor-approved medication: If other methods fail to provide relief, certain medications are considered safe for pregnancy heartburn relief. Consult your doctor or OB-GYN before taking any medication, especially if your heartburn is severe. They may prescribe special medication to help control it.
Medications for Heartburn During Pregnancy
When experiencing heartburn during pregnancy, it's important to be cautious about the medications you take.
Generally, over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox are considered safe options for relief.
However, always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy. This is particularly crucial if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you notice any unusual symptoms while using over-the-counter medications, contact your doctor promptly for guidance.
Preventing Heartburn During Pregnancy
To ease heartburn during pregnancy without harming your baby, try these simple tips:
Dietary Changes
- Instead of three big meals, opt for smaller, frequent meals.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well.
- Drink fluids between meals, not with them.
- Avoid spicy, fried, or fatty foods, as well as citrus fruits and juices.
- Cut down on caffeine.
- Say no to smoking and alcohol, as they're not safe for you or your baby.
4 Tips to avoid heartburn during pregnancy
- Sit up straight when you eat to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid eating close to bedtime.
- Don't lie down right after eating.
- Raise the head of your bed slightly higher than the foot or use extra pillows to prop yourself up. This helps keep stomach acids down.
In Summary
Pregnancy heartburn, especially in the later stages. You can ease or avoid heartburn during this time by adjusting your diet. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals and steer clear of spicy or fried foods. Yogurt or milk might also provide relief. Before using antacids, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider for the safest choice during pregnancy.
