1. Heartburn and Pregnancy
Heartburn tends to increase during pregnancy, especially during the late stages. Your pregnancy hormones are to blame for this. Normally, there's a valve at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that opens to let food through, but it isn't supposed to let food come up back up the esophagus. However, during pregnancy, a hormone called progesterone starts running through your body. It helps to relax all your joints and ligaments so that your body grows properly, and you can fit your baby through the pelvis during labor. But it also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, causing stomach acid to come up into the esophagus. The result can be a painful heartburn.
2. Heartburn Triggers
Many people get heartburn from certain triggers, or foods. Common heartburn triggers include chocolate, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, greasy or fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, many dairy products (including ice creams) and citrus juice. Avoiding these foods is a way to avoid heartburn during pregnancy. Foods that are safe to eat include whole grain breads and cereals, apples, bananas, cheese and broccoli.
3. Avoiding Heartburn During Pregnancy
If you've already cut out the triggers, yet still suffer from heartburn, try eating smaller and more frequent meals. Smaller meals will leave more room in your stomach and may prevent excess food from coming up the esophagus. You should also watch your liquid intake during meals since liquids can quickly fill up your stomach. You can also try chewing gum after eating. Chewing gum may prevent stomach acid from coming up the esophagus.
4. Treating Heartburn
If you've done your best to avoid heartburn, but are still getting it, sit up for at least an hour after eating to keep any contents in your stomach. Some women have to sleep sitting up on pillows during their pregnancy to prevent heartburn at night. You might try elevating the rear of your bed. You can also try over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums or Maalox, as long as you don't take too many and you have your care provider's approval.
5. Talk to Your Care Provider
While some heartburn during pregnancy is normal, a lot can indicate a problem. Stay in touch with your care providers and tell them about your heartburn. If the heartburn is severe enough, your care provider may prescribe medicine to help you to deal with the symptoms. They also may offer other natural techniques to relieve the condition.
