Heartburn is an exceedingly common symptom in pregnancy, particularly during the later months. If you have heartburn, you may be looking for non-pharmaceutical remedies. Hot tea doesn't actually treat heartburn, but if you have a very mild case, it can help to relieve the symptoms somewhat. There are other, more potent ways to treat heartburn as well.
Heartburn
Heartburn results from stomach acid, which is quite potent, backing up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Normally, a ring of muscle called the cardiac sphincter prevents this from happening. During pregnancy, however, the ring loosens. Furthermore, as your baby grows, there's less room in your abdomen for your stomach. Your shifting insides result in even more stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, exacerbating heartburn symptoms.
Hot Tea
The best ways to treat heartburn include neutralizing the acid or preventing your stomach from producing as much of it. Hot tea accomplishes neither of these. However, hot tea can be soothing--particularly if it contains honey, which has a coating effect, and ginger, which relieves gastrointestinal upset. The tea can also "wash" acid out of the esophagus. If you have a very mild case of heartburn, hot tea may help a bit.
Baking Soda
Even though you probably know that it's best to avoid pharmaceuticals as much as possible during pregnancy, antacids are generally quite safe for use. One of the most common antacid remedies is baking soda in water--about 1/2 tsp. in 4 oz. of water. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, a salt that won't harm your developing fetus. Check with your doctor before using baking soda in water if you're on a sodium-restricted diet, however.
Other Remedies
There are other options for treating heartburn aside from baking soda. Calcium carbonate chews are available over the counter and are generally considered perfectly safe in pregnancy. Some also contain magnesium hydroxide, which most obstetricians allow during pregnancy as well. Both of these compounds react with stomach acid and neutralize it, which reduces the irritation to the esophagus. If you have truly severe heartburn, your doctor may also recommend a more powerful acid-reducing medication such as a proton pump inhibitor.
References
- "You: Having A Baby"; Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.; 2009
- Armhammer.com: The Magic of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
- "What to Expect When You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel; 2008
