Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common and uncomfortable part of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is characterized by a burning sensation from the bottom of your breastbone to your lower throat and is a result of hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy. The extra hormones relax your uterus and the valve that separates your esophagus from your stomach, allowing acids to seep back up. There are some foods and eating habits that may help prevent heartburn in pregnancy, but not every remedy works for everyone. You may have to experiment to see what works best for you.
Food Remedies
Chewing gum can stimulate your salivary glands to release saliva, which can help neutralize acid that causes heartburn. You can also try eating yogurt or drinking milk to help prevent heartburn. High protein meals may help as well, and the American Pregnancy Association recommends drinking 1 tablespoon of honey mixed in a glass of warm milk as a heartburn remedy.
Timing of Meals
The timing of your meals may be just as important as what you eat to prevent heartburn. Instead of three big meals, eat smaller meals throughout the day to help keep acid to a minimum. Avoid eating before bed, and give yourself 2 to 3 hours to digest your food before lying down and going to sleep. This enlists the help of gravity to help keep acid in your stomach.
Foods to Avoid
Even if you eat foods that can help prevent heartburn, indulging in common heartburn culprits may result in discomfort anyway. Avoid heartburn triggers like carbonated beverages, caffeine, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Mustard, vinegar and spicy, fried or fatty foods can also trigger heartburn.
Recommendations
If your heartburn symptoms are causing severe discomfort and changing your eating habits does not seem to help, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend antacids to help reduce heartburn during pregnancy.
