Heartburn is caused by the hormone progesterone during pregnancy.
- Progesterone relaxes the muscles in the body, including the throat sphincter. This muscle is in the process of preventing stomach acid from returning to the throat. When it relaxes, stomach acid can reflux into the stomach, resulting in heartburn.
- The uterus expands and the fetus develops, putting pressure on the stomach and contributing to heartburn. This pressure can cause stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing pain.
- In addition to hormonal changes and stomach pressure, many foods and beverages can cause heartburn during pregnancy. Caffeine and carbonated beverages, as well as spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, are all classic heartburn triggers.
1. Keep an eye on what you eat:
Unsurprisingly, acidic and spicy foods produce more stomach acid than plain foods.
Citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, chocolate, sodas, and other acidic foods should be avoided. Also, avoid fried or fatty foods, which slow digestion.
2. Eat small meals instead of heavy ones:
Avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, as well as caffeine and carbonated beverages, which can also assist to prevent heartburn. This keeps the stomach from becoming overburdened and allows it to empty more quickly.
3. Most important stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water and other drinks throughout the day to stay hydrated. It’s very very important to stay hydrated to keep your body relaxed.
4. Avoid sleeping immediately:
Avoid laying down immediately after eating to reduce the risk of heartburn. Giving your digestion a head start before you lie down for the night, which slows the emptying of your stomach, will help regulate your heartburn.
5. Elevate your head 6 to 9 inches:
Placing pillows under your shoulders, lifting the head of your bed with blocks placed beneath the bed’s legs, or purchasing a specific wedge pillow to insert between the mattress and box spring are the simplest ways to accomplish this.
6. Wear loose fitting:
Avoid placing pressure on the stomach by wearing loose-fitting clothing. Remove your Spanx and any other garment that puts pressure on your midsection. Rock your baby bump and your stretchy, soft jeans!
7. Use acupuncture techniques:
A 2015 study found no change in symptoms between pregnant women who received acupuncture and those who did not, although the women who had acupuncture did claim improvement in their ability to sleep and eat.
8. Avoid smoking:
Heartburn is only one of the many reasons why you should not smoke during pregnancy. Cigarette chemicals relax the valve that holds stomach contents down. This permits acids and undigested meals to splash upward and strike.
9. Don’t drink alcohol:
Apart from the fact that alcohol can cause a variety of issues for your developing baby, ranging from low birth weight to learning disabilities, it can also relax the valve that keeps stomach contents in the stomach.
10. Stress-reducing techniques:
Stress can also lead to heartburn, so try stress-reduction practices like yoga or meditation.
11. Talk to your doctor:
This includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications, some of which are safe to consume during pregnancy.
Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach and relieving the burning sensation. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, over-the-counter antacids containing calcium carbonate (such as Tums) are safe to use.
Conclusion:
While heartburn during pregnancy is usually only a temporary condition, it can be unpleasant and disruptive to daily life.
If your heartburn is strong or persistent, you should seek medical treatment since it could be an indication of a more serious condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).