You're likely to experience many unpleasant effects during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, fatigue and swelling. As if that weren't enough, you're also at risk for heartburn. Pressure in the abdomen causes gastric acid to travel back up through the digestive tract instead of staying in the stomach. The hormone progesterone also contributes by relaxing the valve separating the stomach and esophagus. If you're dealing with this bothersome condition, there are multiple strategies for getting it under control, many of which require lifestyle changes.
Preventing Heartburn
Step 1
Make a list of foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn symptoms and avoid them in your diet. Sodas, high-fat meals, tomatoes, citrus products and caffeine are some common culprits.
Step 2
Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones; this will help prevent extra pressure on the stomach that might occur from eating large quantities of food.
Step 3
Limit how much you drink when eating, as high fluid intake during meals also might cause extra pressure in the abdominal area. Drink most of your fluids between meals.
Step 4
Avoid lying down for an hour after eating; this supports good digestion and also helps prevent gastric acid from traveling back up the digestive tract.
Step 5
Avoid eating or drinking three hours prior to going to bed, KidsHealth from Nemours recommends; this gives your body a chance to digest your last meal and also reduce heartburn symptoms that often occur at night.
Step 6
Sleep on a wedge pillow -- available in maternity stores -- to keep your head elevated at night because this also will help keep gastric acid in your stomach.
Treating Heartburn
Step 1
Chew gum after finishing your meals; the increased saliva production induces swallowing and also helps neutralize acid in your esophagus, according to Dr. Stuart Spechler, a gastroenterologist at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Step 2
Take over-the-counter antacids if chewing gum doesn't provide relief. Choose products containing calcium or magnesium as the active ingredient.
Step 3
Consult with your doctor if these lifestyle changes and home treatments aren't effective because you might need a stronger prescription drug. Avoid taking any medications, including over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors, without seeking medical advice.
Tips and Warnings
- Propping up the head of your bed four to six inches with blocks is an alternate option if you can't find a wedge pillow. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing, which might worsen heartburn symptoms.
- Avoid using antacids containing sodium bicarbonate, which can increase water retention. Don't take antacids or other heartburn medications containing aluminum or aspirin because these are not safe during pregnancy. Aspirin might be listed as acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate on product labels.
Things You'll Need
- Wedge pillow
- Chewing gum
- Antacids
References
- BabyCenter: Heartburn During Pregnancy
- USDA WIC Works Resource System; Common Complaints of Pregnancy; 2005
- KidsHealth from Nemours; Is There a Remedy for Heartburn During Pregnancy?; Larissa Hirsch, MD
- UT Southwestern Medical Center; Health Watch--Heartburn: Home Remedies; July 2007
- "HEALTHbeat"; 8 Ways to Handle Heartburn without Drugs; May 2008
- BabyCenter; Which Heartburn Medicines are Safe During Pregnancy?; Gerald Briggs, B.Pharm, FCCP
