Pregnancy Heartburn 101: How to Prevent & Ways to Treat
Heartburn is one of the most common health issues faced during pregnancy. Because of the pregnancy hormones, the valve of the stomach fails to close properly and lets acidic contents move up to the esophagus.
If you want to prevent or treat pregnancy heartburn, here are some things that you must know.
7 Ways to Treat Pregnancy Heartburn
1. Consume Ginger
Ginger is one of the best remedies for pregnancy heartburn. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. Flavonoids in ginger are known to improve digestion. You may either consume it as tea or simply chew a piece of ginger to get some relief from heartburn.
2. Chew Sugar Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum is one of the most effective remedies for pregnancy heartburn. When you chew, the act of chewing helps to stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva has a soothing effect on the stomach and is good for digestion.
3. Apply Heat
You can apply heat to your abdomen by using a hot water bottle or a hot water bag. Applying heat helps to relax the muscles and takes away pregnancy heartburn.
4. Drink Milk and Honey
Drinking warm milk and honey helps to relieve heartburn. The lactic acid in the milk can help to neutralize the acid in the stomach whereas the honey will help to balance the sugar levels in the body.
5. Eat Papaya or Pineapple
Papaya and pineapple are rich in digestive enzymes. They act as natural remedies against heartburn.
6. Take Doctor-Prescribed Medication
Heartburn medicines are available over-the-counter. However, they may not always be safe to take during pregnancy. It is best that you take doctor-prescribed medications instead.
7. Use a Water-Based Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy pillows are a must-have during your pregnancy. Not only do they help you to get a good night’s sleep, but they also help you to find comfortable positions to relieve heartburn and acid reflux. In the bed, you can place it between your lower back and the mattress. This helps to get a good sleep and to avoid pregnancy heartburn.
5 Ways to Avoid Having Pregnancy Heartburn
1. Don’t Eat near Your Bedtime
During pregnancy, fatty foods, spicy foods, and acidic foods should be avoided near bedtime. These foods have been known to trigger heartburn.
2. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
During pregnancy, you should eat small meals frequently. Large meals lead to indigestion and heartburn.
3. Drink Liquids in between Meals
During pregnancy, you must drink at least 10 glasses of water a day. Liquids are important for digestion and are required to maintain the health of the baby. Water also helps to wash down the acidic content and prevents heartburn.
4. Don’t Lie Down After Eating
When you lie down after eating, the food content stays inside your stomach for a longer period of time. This can lead to the accumulation of too much acid in the stomach and can cause heartburn.
5. Prop Yourself up When It’s Time to Sleep
When getting ready to sleep, you should not lie down right away. Prop yourself up by using pillows, until the food contents have been digested.
Final Thoughts
Heartburn is one of the most common complications faced by many pregnant women during various stages of pregnancy. The ideal way to deal with heartburn is to prevent it. However, if you already have heartburn, learning about ways to ease pregnancy heartburn is essential.
For everything you need to know about acid reflux, including whether you can start acid reflux treatment using baking soda, check out our resources at Reflux Away.