Acid reflux is unfortunately a common issue for many women during pregnancy. For those who suffer from this problem, it can mean weeks or months of sleepless nights. However, there is hope! Pregnant women can ease their acid reflux by learning more about the causes of their condition and trying natural reflux remedies.
Understanding Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Acid reflux is a common phenomenon during pregnancy, and while most expectant mothers do not suffer from it, those who do often start to experience symptoms during the second or third trimester. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If you are suffering from acid reflux, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms.
Pregnant women are more likely to experience reflux because hormonal changes can cause the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) muscles to relax. This allows stomach acid to move into the esophagus, and pregnancy can also make women less tolerant of certain foods. The growing uterus can also crowd the stomach and push acid upward, so women pregnant with twins are at an even greater risk for reflux.
Treatment for Acid Reflux in Pregnancy
Expectant mothers who are experiencing acid reflux can take solace in the fact that these symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks after childbirth. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to ease the discomfort without harming the baby. Some of these include:
Try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, rather than just a couple of large meals. Also, eat food slowly and completely instead of gobbling it down. In addition, avoid eating rich, spicy and fatty foods, as these can weaken the LES. Another useful tip is to drink less water while eating, as large amounts of water can actually increase acid reflux activity. Finally, sit upright for an hour or more after eating, and elevate your head and entire torso on a wedge pillow that supports you on an even plane. This will help prevent stomach acid from rising. Also, be sure to wear loose clothing in order to prevent placing unnecessary pressure on your abdomen.
If your symptoms of acid reflux persist, you should speak to your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to help. However, you should be sure to weigh the pros and cons of medication, as you don’t want to put your unborn child’s health at risk.
Being a parent is tough, and one of the hardest things to deal with is a lack of sleep. It’s important to find a treatment method that works best for you and your child so that everyone can get the rest they need. You should explore all of your options and talk to other parents to see what has worked for them. In the end, you’ll be glad you took the time to find a solution that works for you and your family.
