Heartburn in pregnancy can occur in the first and third trimesters. According to the Mayo Clinic and "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy," heartburn during pregnancy is usually caused by the slowing of the digestive tract to better absorb nutrients, the enlarged uterus and the relaxed esophageal sphincter muscle. These three factors lead to the regurgitation of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation. While there are only a few foods that will ease heartburn during pregnancy, there are other techniques that can alleviate the discomfort.
Non-Acidic Foods
According to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy," the first line of defense against heartburn in pregnancy is to avoid citrus foods. These foods increase the acidity of the contents of the stomach increasing the burning pain. Citrus foods to avoid include oranges, orange juice, tomato products, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Non-acidic foods are better choices and may ease the pain of heartburn during pregnancy. Non-acidic food choices include apples, applesauce, apple juice, grape juice, plums, fresh pears, canned pears, fresh peaches, canned peaches, grapes, fruit cocktail, melons, cherries, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, eggplant and lettuce.
Bland Foods
Spicy foods should also be avoided, including chili powder and black pepper say the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Moondragon Birthing Services suggests eating bland foods to ease heartburn discomfort during pregnancy. Bland food choices include bread, bagels, English muffins, saltine crackers, plain rice, plain pasta and noodles, white potatoes, sweet potatoes and lean and tender meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork and fish prepared without spicy seasonings. Moondragon Birthing Services suggests using salt, vanilla and other extracts, sage, cinnamon, thyme, mace and allspice to season foods.
Foods That Limit Acid Reflux
According to the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy," some foods lower the esophageal sphincter pressure, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, these foods include fried foods, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and spearmint and they should be avoided. Instead choose baked, broiled or grilled meats, steamed or grilled vegetables and caffeine-free beverages such as herbal tea and water. Instead of chocolate for dessert, eat sugar cookies, angel food cake, gelatin or fruit to prevent heartburn discomfort.
Foods That Ease Heartburn
According to the American Association of Pregnancy, there are some foods that ease heartburn symptoms in pregnancy. They suggest trying yogurt or a glass of milk, or a tablespoon of honey in a warm glass of milk to ease pregnancy heartburn. Chewing gum after meals is also recommended because it helps neutralize the stomach acid.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
- RD411: GERD
- Mayo Clinic: First Trimester Pregnancy
- Pregnancy.org: Heartburn During Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy and Heartburn
