Heartburn during pregnancy is unfortunately a common occurrence for many women, despite it not being one of the things that are “guaranteed” to happen during pregnancy. Heartburn is caused by the growing baby pushing against the stomach and forcing acid up into the esophagus, and is often made worse by certain foods (spicy, acidic, etc.), lying down after eating, and not chewing food sufficiently. While there isn’t a cure for heartburn, there are some things that can help minimize its occurrence or lessen its intensity when it does happen, such as eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, avoiding trigger foods, and sleeping with your head elevated.
Although it’s common for pregnant women to experience heartburn, about half of all pregnant women DON’T have any symptoms at all. This means that heartburn is not inevitable if you’re pregnant. If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
When we experience changes in our health that make us feel uncomfortable, it’s normal to feel worried. This is the first time this has happened to me, and I’m feeling Mother Nature’s way of causing me to think about what is going on and to ask some important questions. Is this normal? Is there cause for concern? What can be done about it? Should I contact a doctor?
For a lot of women, pregnancy is when they first start to experience heartburn. However, as we age, heartburn becomes more common because of the toxic things we eat and drink throughout our lives. So, if you’re wondering what’s causing your discomfort, it’s most likely the food you’re eating.
Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you should just suffer through it. Be sure to mention it to your doctor at your next appointment so that they can help you determine the best course of action for finding relief. While there are some over-the-counter remedies available, not all of them are safe for pregnant women. For example, antacids that contain aluminum could be dangerous, so always check with your physician before taking anything new.
Heartburn can come in different forms, with varying degrees of intensity. The mildest form is indigestion, while at the other end of the spectrum is acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the throat and esophagus. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to suffer from these symptoms. There are things that can be done to ease them, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
It’s easy to see how heartburn might become a concern for some during pregnancy when you consider all the changes your body goes through. Your stomach included! Many of these changes are due to the influx of hormones released during pregnancy. These hormones can relax the muscles in your digestive system as well as change the way you process and react to certain foods. There are a few things that can cause pregnant women to experience heartburn more frequently. One is the relaxed lower esophageal sphincter which allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Another possible cause is your enlarged uterus pushing against your abdomen and forcing stomach acid upward.
There are some things that you can do to prevent heartburn.
1) If you want to avoid heartburn, steer clear of trigger foods and drinks. Spicy, acidic, greasy, and fatty foods can all cause symptoms, as can carbonated beverages, chocolate (sorry), alcoholic drinks, and coffee.
2) It’s better to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals. Large meals can prompt heartburn symptoms. By increasing to 6 smaller meals instead of 3, you’re giving your body more time for proper digestion.
3) It’s best not to eat too close to bedtime. Give your body a few hours to digest before you hit the hay.
4) Wear loose-fitting clothes – this will help to avoid aggravating heartburn, which is a common issue for pregnant women. Tight clothing can make heartburn worse, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
5) Smoking and drinking alcohol are two things that should be on your no-no list if you want to avoid heartburn symptoms.
If you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you’re already experiencing heartburn symptoms. The good news is that there are things you can do for relief. Usually, after the baby is born, heartburn symptoms will subside fairly quickly. In the meantime, here are some things that may help alleviate your discomfort.
As I said earlier, the symptoms will likely return later in life if preventative measures are not taken. Now is the time to take control and do something about it, so you don’t have to suffer from severe heartburn, acid reflux, and other related problems in the future. You can significantly reduce your chances of heartburn ever becoming a serious problem by maintaining a healthy weight and eating healthy food.
Heartburn during pregnancy is unfortunately a very common symptom, but it’s only temporary and there are things you can do to ease the discomfort. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your options for relief, as well as ways to prevent heartburn in the first place. There are even some simple lifestyle changes you can make, like avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller meals more often, that can make a big difference.
