Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. More than half of all pregnant women will experience this discomfort to some degree. For some, it is a minor irritation that requires little or no treatment. For other women, it can be very uncomfortable and interfere with eating and sleeping. Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach moves up into the esophagus.
There are a few reasons for heartburn during pregnancy. There is a muscle at the top of the stomach that usually helps keep stomach acids contained. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause this muscle to become relaxed, allowing acids to escape. Later in pregnancy, the growth of the baby causes the uterus to press up on the stomach. This pushes acids into the esophagus.
If heartburn is a problem for you, keep track of everything you eat or drink. A variety of foods can make the condition worse. Some of the common culprits include: caffeine, tomato sauce, citrus and spicy foods. Knowing which foods make your heartburn worse can help you keep it under control.
Preventing and Relieving Heartburn:
* Eat smaller meals than you did prior to becoming pregnant. Six smaller meals are better than three large meals.
* Don’t drink beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soda.
* Antacids, such as Tums, are considered safe for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about using antacids to relieve your symptoms.
* Don’t lie down for at least an hour after eating. Sitting upright after a meal can help minimize the amount of acid that escapes your stomach.
* When you do go to sleep, use a few extra pillows to prop up your head. Sleeping slightly inclined is better than sleeping flat for heartburn relief.
* Avoid spicy foods or any other food that you notice triggers heartburn.