Managing Pregnancy Related Heartburn

There are many women who suddenly develop uncomfortable heartburn symptoms while they’re pregnant. One of the reasons for this is the elevated hormone levels in a pregnant woman’s body. This leads to softening of the ligaments which normally keep the lower esophageal sphincter tightly closed. Therefore, stomach acids are largely unhindered in travelling up to the throat and esophagus.

Another reason why pregnant women experience heartburn is because of increased pressure in the abdominal region due to the growth of the baby. Frequently this can force the contents of the stomach up to the esophagus.

There are various methods by which a pregnant woman can reduce the discomfort caused by heartburn. The following tips should give you some guidance in your search for heartburn relief.

* Stay away from foods that are known to cause heartburn. Included in this list are spicy foods, tomato products, chocolate, fried and fatty foods, and citrus.

* Don’t drink beverages that are high in caffeine like tea, coffee and cola.

* Avoid alcohol, which you should anyway for the health of your baby.

* Consume smaller portions of food. Eating mini meals spaced throughout the day will ease the pressure on the stomach.

* Don’t eat too fast.

* Don’t lie down to sleep until it’s been three hours since your last meal. This will help you avoid nighttime heartburn.

* Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. However, don’t drink too much while you’re eating. This leads to excess stomach expansion which helps to push out the gastric acids in your stomach.

* While sleeping keep your head elevated approximately six to eight inches. You might find a wedge shaped pillow to be helpful. This will assist gravity to keep the acids in your stomach from making their way up the esophagus.

* Avoid restrictive clothing. Tightness around the waist and stomach will trigger heartburn.

* Bend at the knees, not at the waist. This keeps pressure off the stomach.

* Watch your posture. Sit erect in a comfortable chair.

* Don’t gain an excessive amount of weight. All that surplus fat puts added pressure on the stomach.

* Stop smoking. Not only is it unhealthy for your baby, it contributes to heartburn symptoms.

Tags: acid reflux, heartburn, pregnancy heartburn