Pregnancy is a challenging time for many women to deal with, especially those who suffer from heartburn!
Most women assume that heartburn during pregnancy is simply one of the early signs and symptoms, but they may be surprised to learn that there are actually two very specific reasons why acid reflux occurs during pregnancy. First, your body requires certain nutrients in order to build up its placenta; however, sometimes these vitamins may come at the cost of an upset stomach (particularly Vitamin C). Furthermore, when a woman’s uterus becomes enlarged, her digestive track can become stressed because it has less room in which to move around freely.
The Causes Of Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
There are two types of hormones that are responsible for helping the muscles of the uterus to relax: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones do this in order to make space for the baby to grow. Unfortunately, it also results in one’s lower esophageal sphincter relaxing which makes it easier for stomach acids to rise into the esophagus causing heartburn symptoms like a burning sensation, pain, etc.
Over the course of pregnancy, about 25% of women will suffer from heartburn at least once per day. However, during their third trimester 75% of these women will experience some form of moderate to severe heartburn or acid regurgitation as well… As hormones start balancing out, heartburn may subside.
Here are some tips that can help you keep your heartburn under control:
– Avoid drinking caffeine, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, fried foods and fatty foods which contribute to worsen heartburn.
– Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than few large ones.
– Eat slowly and chew your food well before swallowing.
– Drink water between meals rather than during them.
– Chew gum after a meal The saliva that is produced when chewing helps to neutralize the acid.
– Take a fixed position during sleep to keep the acid in its place and make its movement difficult.
– Wear loose clothing, especially around your waist and stomach.
– Do not take too much weight, the ideal would be to remain in the range between 12.5 to 17.5 kg. Low weight gain or a large catch could be the cause of heartburn.
– Ask your doctor for a good antacid. Start with a drug such as Tums, if it does not work, you can place a heavy artillery as Prevacid (you can buy generic Prevacid online at reasonable prices)
– Do not smoke! It is a major board, especially for a pregnant woman!
– Eat at least three hours before bedtime. If you eat practically before bedtime, then your body will be forced to attempt to digest while
If you suffer from heartburn and want to soothe it quickly, look for an antacid that is designed for that specific symptom.
When talking with your doctor about heartburn and healh care. Acute heartburn can be temporary, while chronic heartburn usually indicates a more serious ailment.
It is best to try not to eat large meals all at once, but rather in smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. Additionally, it is suggested that you should not drink a lot of fluids just before going to bed. The final trick you can try out is to elevate your head while sleeping by way of getting a good quality pillow or raising the mattress.
