How to Ease Heart Burn During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life--but it is also wrought with discomfort. One of the most common complaints of pregnancy is heartburn. While there are medications that can help combat this side effect of expecting, try these tips as well.
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Instructions
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Avoiding spicy, acidic or garlicy foods won't get rid of heartburn completely, but it will help to reduce the severity. Heartburn during pregnancy is typically caused by the functional changes in a woman's body because of the growth of her baby. As the baby grows it puts pressure internally on the stomach and often the stomach contents (including stomach acids) are pushed up toward the esophagus causing the uncomfortable burn. Because it's not food itself that causes the burning sensation, an expectant mother may experience heartburn after a glass of water or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich--not typical culprits in causing heartburn in a person who is not pregnant.
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Eat small quantities of food. Because there is so much pressure on the stomach and the rest of the digestive track from the growing baby during pregnancy, moms may want to forego large meals and eat smaller portions more often. Not only will this help even out blood sugars and energy levels, it will also help the stomach from becoming too full. This smaller amount of food will be less likely to be pushed up toward the esophagus and cause heartburn.
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Napping, resting and putting your feet up when you can is important. To help alleviate heartburn, try to avoid lying down immediately after eating. When mom lies down, the pressure created by the baby on the stomach and esophagus will increase, causing more difficulty with heartburn. If lying down after eating can not be avoided, then prop mom up at a 45-degree angle to help relieve some of the heartburn-inducing pressure.
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Use medications. Because heartburn during pregnancy is caused by pressure from the growing baby, it may be very difficult to treat until the baby is born. If avoiding acidic, spicy, garlicy foods, eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down after eating are not enough, ask your health care provider what medications may work for you. There are many safe choices that can help, so don't be afraid to ask.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not take any medications without consulting your healthcare provider first. Even over-the-counter medications can cause difficulty.
