Does Heartburn During Pregnancy Mean My Baby Will Be Born With Hair
Suffering from severe heartburn? You may want to stock up on baby shampoo. Research has backed up the superstition that, on average, the more heartburn you have during pregnancy, the more likely your baby will be born with a full head of hair.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Which Diet And Lifestyle Changes Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy
The management of heartburn during pregnancy involves many of the same principles as management in the non-pregnant state. Lifestyle changes may include:
When Can I Expect Heartburn To End
Someday, scientists may very well invent a miracle medication that promises permanent pregnancy heartburn relief. Unfortunately, that hasnt happened yet.
So, if youre wondering how long you can expect to deal with heartburn while youre pregnant, it will probably be throughout your entire pregnancy.
However, just because theres no cure, that doesnt mean you cant find some relief in the meantime.
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Preventive Measures For Heartburn During Pregnancy
- No one knows your body better than you. Keep track of foods triggering heartburn. Try to avoid them as much as you can. Stay away from carbonated drinks and consuming caffeine.
Heartburn is an early sign of pregnancy, which is caused because of acid reflux in the esophagus. However, it can be cured with slight changes in diet and the medicines suggested by doctors.
Foods That Help With Heartburn During Pregnancy
There are certain foods that double as natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy. Some of these home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy may work well for certain women but not for others. Find out what works best for you among these foods that help with heartburn during pregnancy.
- It is recommended to eat multiple small low-acid meals per day, and to avoid lying down during an hour of eating.
- Melons and bananas are good as they have low acid content.
- Fermented foods.
Foods that contain probiotics, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and tempeh, are incredibly beneficial for digestion. They are full of enzymes and they help to promote the secretion of digestive juices. This keeps things running smoothly and prevents problems like indigestion and heartburn.
- Green vegetables such as broccoli, beans.
- Bread, especially whole grain.
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How Soon Can You Get Heartburn When Pregnant
The symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion can come on at any time, but they are most common from 27 weeks of pregnancy onwards.
Many report it during the first trimester. This is because the muscles in your esophagus are pushing food into your stomach at a much slower rate than before, and so your stomach takes longer to empty. While this allows the fetus more time to absorb the foods nutrients, it also commonly causes heartburn.
When To Call The Doctor
If heartburn symptoms are associated withheadaches or swelling of the hands and face, talk with your provider beforetrying these remedies, especially if the symptoms are new and present in thelast trimester of pregnancy.
Heartburn-like paincan be a symptom of preeclampsia, or dangerously high bloodpressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia puts mothers and babies at risk, andfurther evaluation may be necessary.
As mentioned,heartburn is very common in pregnancy. If your symptoms dont resolve with dietchanges or medication, let your provider know so you can find an effectivetreatment.
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Ginger Root Benefits In Heartburn
Ginger is an herb, commonly found in the Indian subcontinent and has been used in ayurvedic medicines since centuries.
It is a rhizome which is used both as a spice and a medicine.
It can be used fresh, dried, in tea preparations, as a juice, and as oil.
It is commonly used to cure upset stomach and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, colic, gas, diarrhea, motion sickness, and morning sickness.
It is prescribed during cancer treatment and pregnancy in modern medicine as it eases the discomfort caused due to chemotherapy or nausea during pregnancy.
Not just the gastrointestinal problems, but the ginger root is used to cure muscle problems, sore throat, cough, bronchitis, pain, and burns.
Ginger prepared by boiling in water along with different other herbs is called ginger root tea and is widely used in preventing and treating the above-mentioned problems including heartburns.
There has been a lack of proper research in establishing the reasons for most of the therapeutic properties of ginger in modern medicine and clinical trials which is why is difficult to provide proper prescription and dosage amounts of ginger root tea and other preparations officially.
However, historical documents such as ayurvedic researches provide sufficient evidence of its effectiveness, though not the reason for it, along with the dosage to cure various discomforts.
Antioxidant Properties Of Ginger Root Tea
It has been shown that oxidative stress, which is the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to react against tissue injury, is a very important factor in the development of heartburn and GERD.
Acid reflux causes the erosion of gut mucosa and ulcerative injury activation the of oxidative stress elements, thereby increasing the inflammation and wounds.
Ginger root has excellent anti-oxidative properties, more than any other known natural compound, surpassed only by pomegranate and some other types of berries .
A type of phorbol ester called TPA is responsible for promoting oxidative stress by activating NADPH dependent generation of reactive oxygen species.
Ginger was reported to inhibit the TPA production in cancer cells and in many types of tissues.
Certain other studies indicate that ginger inhibits superoxide production and gingerol, a compound found in ginger reduces the reactive nitrogen species-mediated oxidative damage .
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Pregnant People Exposed To Ugly Things Will Have Ugly Children
This old wives tale is less transparent than it was in the 18th century, but there are still hints of its power. The original folklore suggested that babies born with dwarfism, or who were affected by other disabilities, most likely looked at ugliness or had ugly thoughts during pregnancy. It was ableism and mom-shaming, pure and simple. But even today, some mothers feel tremendous guilt if their child is born with a disability.
The truth is that genetics, far more often than behavior, is what determines birth outcomes for children. And an emotional pregnancy, an errant glass of wine, or a few cups of coffee have little to do with it.
What Makes It Worse
Most spicy, greasy, fatty foods known for causing heartburn are also likely to cause problems for pregnant women. Food doesnt digest as well or move as quickly during pregnancy. So, eating large meals or overeating in general can also increase the risk for heartburn. Eating right before bedtime can cause problems, too. Smoking makes heartburn worse and is another reason to quit, especially while pregnant.
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Is Heartburn An Early Sign Of Pregnancy
The pregnancy symptoms are highly unpredictable from woman to woman. Out of the avalanche of discomforts, gaining weight, digestive differences like heartburn are a few. And so if your question is whether heartburn is an early sign of pregnancy, then yes it is.
If you are also facing heartburn in the early stages of pregnancy, here are a few ways to ease the discomfort.
Keep Your Head Elevated While Resting
If you want to know how to get rid of acid reflux fast while pregnant, youve got to follow this tip.
Lying flat spurs the acid into the food pipe. This causes heartburn.
So, use recliner chairs to rest or lie with your head at an elevated surface. This helps you avoid acid reflux without any extra effort.
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Healthy Drinks For Heartburn During Pregnancy
Liquid-y foods are less most likely to cause problems than solids, given that they move through the stomach faster. Soups, smoothies, protein shakes, milkshakes, yogurt and puddings are good options.
Look for liquids that use lots of protein, such as milk and drinkable yogurt. and objective to make solids a little less so. Chew solid foods slowly and incredibly well, up until theyre almost liquefied.
Change Your Eating And Drinking Habits
You may be able to control your indigestion with changes to your eating habits.
It can help to eat small meals often, rather than larger meals 3 times a day, and to not eat within 3 hours of going to bed at night.
Cutting down on drinks containing caffeine, and foods that are rich, spicy or fatty, can also ease symptoms.
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Antacids You Shouldnt Take
You should always read the labels and ask your doctor before using OTC medicines, herbs, or home remedies while youre pregnant. Even though it may seem like something should be safe, it isnt always. Some conventional treatments for heartburn that you shouldnt use during pregnancy are:
- Alka-Seltzer
- Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Products containing aspirin
Swelling In The Feet And Legs During Pregnancy
Pressure from your growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid buildup. The result is swelling in the legs and feet.
Additional weight during pregnancy can also make your feet bigger. Plus, pregnancy hormones loosen your ligaments and muscles so your pelvic joints open up to get ready for childbirth. This affects your whole body, even your feet. Call your doctor if any swelling is more than mild or if it suddenly gets worse.
Recommendations:
- Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
- Drink plenty of fluids .
- Avoid foods high in salt .
- Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
- Soak your feet in cool water.
- Keep moving. Exercise your legs to keep fluid from building up.
- Don’t wear tight shoes choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels.
- Keep your diet rich in protein too little protein can cause fluid retention.
- Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell. This may be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
- Rest on your side during the day to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.
Continued
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Heartburn Acid Reflux And Gerd During Pregnancy
Its called heartburn, although that burning feeling in your chest has nothing to do with the heart. Uncomfortable and frustrating, it bothers many women, particularly during pregnancy.
The first question you may have is how to make it stop. You may also wonder if treatments are safe for your baby. Learn what causes heartburn during pregnancy and what you can do about it.
Pregnancy Itself Ups Your Risk Of Heartburn
Normally, there are certain factors like your weight, whether you smoke, and your genes that can increase your likelihood of heartburn. But when you’re pregnant, it’s the pregnancy itself that makes you more susceptible.
“There are two main factors,” says Dr. Renee Wellenstein, DO, who is a double board-certified OB-GYN. One that’s hormonal and one that’s physical.
Heartburn is caused by acid reflux, when food and digestive fluids, which contain acids, back up in your esophagus and create that uncomfortable burn. That backup can happen when you’re pregnant because you have higher-than-usual progesterone levels, which can one slow digestion and two relax the muscle, called the esophageal sphincter, that separates your esophagus and stomach.
Combined, these two factors create the perfect storm for heartburn because the slow digestion can lead to more back up in your esophagus and the relaxed muscle makes it easier for acid to creep through.
“The other factor is the growing uterus that physically pushes up on the stomach as it grows,” says Wellenstein.
As a result, heartburn does tend to get worse throughout pregnancy. Fortunately, all those changes to your body that cause heartburn during pregnancy quickly disappear after you give birth. So, at least that’s something you can look forward to leaving behind at the hospital when you bring your newborn home.
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Should I Go To The Doctor About Heartburn
If none of the above helps, speak to your local pharmacist. They will be able to advise you which over-the-counter antacids or alginates are safe for you and your baby.
These medicines should give you a break from the pain of heartburn. If not, youll need to speak to your midwife or doctor to see whats next. They may be able to recommend a prescription medicine.
Ways Ginger Can Help You In Heartburn
Heartburn is a common painful burning sensation in the chest area, above the stomach, caused due to reflux of acid in the oesophagus.
This reflux is usually a result of poor diet and lifestyle, that eases up the pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter making it lose and allowing the stomach contents to flow back up.
The severe form of heartburn, called the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can occur due to negligence of common heartburn and gastrointestinal health causing greater discomfort.
There are several home remedies available for initial level heartburn, ginger is one such remedy which is popular and effective.
Let’s understand why ginger helps in heartburn.
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If You’re Pregnant You Will Probably Get Heartburn
Heartburn is one of the most common digestive symptoms that women experience at some point during their pregnancy.
“About 85% of women experience heartburn or other forms of gastroesophageal reflux in pregnancy,” says Dr. Aparna Sridhar, an OB-GYN and associate professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA. “I discuss this with almost all of my patients at least once in pregnancy. With the majority of them, I keep discussing this problem at least every trimester.”
Listen To What Your Body Is Telling You
What you can eat during pregnancy is largely dependent on how certain foods make you feel. In your first trimester, you likely had aversions and foods that induced nausea just by looking at them. Now, certain foods may trigger heartburn. Fat, caffeine, chocolate, and citrus fruits are all common foods that cause heartburn during pregnancy. Know your triggers and stay away from them.
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Symptoms Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Common heartburn symptoms reported by pregnant women include:
- A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours
- Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating
- Burning in the throat — or hot, sour, or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
- Belching
Causes Of Indigestion In Pregnancy
Symptoms of indigestion come when the acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or your gullet. This causes pain and a burning feeling.
When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to have indigestion because of:
- hormonal changes
- the growing baby pressing on your stomach
- the muscles between your stomach and gullet relaxing, allowing stomach acid to come back up
You may be more likely to get indigestion in pregnancy if:
- you had indigestion before you were pregnant
- you’ve been pregnant before
- you’re in the later stages of pregnancy
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Haircuts During Pregnancy Will Cause Issues With Infant Vision
There is very little a person could possibly do to their hair during pregnancy that would cause any issues with their baby. Although the haircut and bad vision connection seems obviously suspect, there are other pregnancy hair myths that persist.
For instance, many pregnant people might hesitate to get their hair colored during pregnancy. The fear is the chemicals in hair dye could be absorbed through the scalp and eventually reach the fetus, causing a disability. However, according to the nonprofit American Pregnancy Association, the amount of toxic chemicals in hair dye is minimal, as is the amount that could possibly be absorbed by the scalp.
