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How to Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy

Contributor
By Remy Lo
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

While pregnancy can be a joyful time, it can also be a time of physical discomfort. Among the common conditions experienced is heartburn. This pregnancy-related heartburn occurs due to hormonal changes as well as shift in and crowding within the abdominal cavity. Although getting heartburn isn't an emergency, it can be upsetting, especially when it affects your sleep or daily routine. Avoiding heartburn during pregnancy involves making dietary and lifestyle changes to aid in digestion.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Eat smaller, more frequent meals to help avoid heartburn during pregnancy. Breaking up you primary meals over five to six meals can help prevent stomach distension. It also alleviates pressure exerted by surrounding organs. Take smaller bites and chew your food thoroughly to avoid overloading your stomach. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid with meals to help prevent stomach distension.

  2. Step 2

    Monitor your pregnancy weight gain to avoid heartburn (see Resources). Adding weight places more pressure on your organs and can lead to more bouts of indigestion. Eating more raw vegetables, whole grains and lean meat can ensure you get the nutrition you need without the extra fat content. Engage in regular exercise to stay fit.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce your intake of food and drink that causes gastrointestinal irritation. Common offenders include tomatoes, sodas and fruit juices. Avoid eating greasy, acidic and spicy foods while consuming more healthy options.

  4. Step 4

    Increase your daily intake of milk and yogurt products to avoid heartburn during pregnancy. The items work to neutralize acids, promoting normal digestion. Take a calcium-fortified antacid supplement to prevent and alleviate heartburn.

  5. Step 5

    Refrain from eating or drinking at least an hour before naps and your bedtime. This gives your body time to begin digestion. If you must drink, sip instead of taking large gulps to reduce air intake and prevent indigestion.

  6. Step 6

    Sleep in a slightly elevated position to avoid heartburn during pregnancy. It's easier for stomach acids to travel back into the throat when laying flat. Propping your upper body with pillows can promote digestion by forcing acids into the correct locations.

Tips & Warnings
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing takes pressure off your abdomen, which benefits digestion.
  • Speak with your doctor about frequent, unrelieved heartburn episodes. More intense measures may need to be taken to provide relief. Although you should avoid drinking too much fluid with meals, it's still important to drink an adequate amount of water each day.
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