Preventing and Easing Heartburn During Pregnancy
A lot of women complain of heartburn during pregnancy
. Some of them are familiar with the discomfort but some pregnant women experience it for the first time. Though harmless and normal for expecting women, the symptoms may be very uncomfortable. Heartburn during pregnancy may be caused by the changes in hormone level such as estrogen but especially of progesterone. The elevated levels of progesterone can loosen the lower esophageal sphincter at unexpected times thus causing the reflux of gastric acids.
Shooting up of hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the esophagus burns the linings of the esophagus which causes the pain or discomfort felt behind the chest. Since the baby in your belly is growing, pressure inside you is also building up. The growth of the baby causes the stomach and its contents to be pushed upward. Aside from a burning sensation, heartburn in pregnant women may also feel as an uncomfortable lump in the throat or chest.
There are several ways to prevent and ease the discomfort of heartburn during pregnancy. Expecting mothers should change their lifestyle to help prevent heartburns.
Preventing and Easing Heartburn during Pregnancy
Eating small meals frequently rather than having three big meals in a day alleviates the pressure in your stomach. Less pressure means more room for your stomach juices to stay put.
Avoid lying down immediately after eating. This causes the acids to move up to the esophagus. When lying down, elevate the upper body using pillows that would stack up as high as 6 to 8 inches or a wedge cushion. Keeping the upper body elevated prevent acids from travelling back up. You may also want to try sleeping in a recliner chair elevated at 45 degrees.
Avoid snacking or eating late at night. The more your stomach is filled in the evenings, the more likely for you to experience heartburn. Eat your last meal early in the evening.
Avoid drinking water while eating a meal. This will fill up the stomach fast. Though 8 to 10 glasses of water are needed to be consumed in a day, do this in between meals and not while you are eating.
Smoking should be stopped by pregnant women. Aside from the bad effects that t may bring to your growing child, it is also one of the causes of heartburn.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Tight clothes add up to the pressure your child is already putting in your stomach.
Avoid foods that are spicy, oily and fatty since these can cause acid reflux.
In times when heartburn during pregnancy cannot be prevented, some healthy ways to prevent it are available.
Chewing gum causes your mouth to produce more saliva. Saliva has bicarbonate to neutralize the acids that you have regurgitated.
Mix honey with milk to help soothe the burning sensation caused by heartburn.
Fresh fruit juices of mango, papaya, guava and pear help soothe the stomach. Bananas and apples added to the diet may also help in relieving the discomfort of heartburn.
Snacking on unsalted almonds or soda crackers may also give instant relief from heartburn.
Antacids and other medication should be consulted with a doctor first before intake. Talk to your physician for other ways to help you ease and prevent the discomfort of heartburn during pregnancy.
Preventing and Easing Heartburn During Pregnancy
By: Jenny M. Martinson
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