Dealing with Heartburn in Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring a variety of unpleasant symptoms, ranging from morning sickness to heartburn. The latter is often experienced in the final stages of pregnancy or when the baby is growing rapidly. Heartburn is usually caused by the foods we eat.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy. Read on to learn effective ways of dealing with heartburn while pregnant.

Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day

Eating large meals can cause the stomach to become overstretched and this in turn weakens the sphincter muscles responsible for keeping the stomach acid from entering the esophagus. To prevent heartburn, try to break your meals into smaller portions and eat throughout the day. Eating smaller meals regularly is also good for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods can exacerbate the symptoms of heartburn, such as:

• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Fried or fatty foods
• Tomatoes and other acidic fruits
• Spicy foods

Eliminating foods which are known to cause heartburn can help to minimize the associated symptoms.

Chew Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can increase saliva production which can help to neutralize the stomach acid. This can provide some much-needed relief from the burning sensation experienced with heartburn.

Wear Loose Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing and belts can put pressure on the abdomen and aggravate heartburn. To prevent this, it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid any pressure.

Avoid Eating Late at Night

Eating late at night means that your body does not have time to digest the food before you go to bed. This increases the likelihood of experiencing heartburn. Try to give yourself at least a few hours between eating and sleeping so your body has enough time to digest the food before you lie down.

Stay in an Upright Position

It is best to avoid lying down after eating, as gravity will pull the stomach acid upwards, which can aggravate heartburn. To prevent this, try to stay in an upright position after having a meal.

Dealing with heartburn during pregnancy can be tricky but by following these simple tips, you can help to alleviate the symptoms and enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest.