How To Get Rid Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Discuss H2 Blockers With Your Doctor

If an antacid isn’t working, it may be time to consider stronger medications.

Your first option will likely be an H2 blocker like Tagamet or Zantac. These drugs suppress stomach-acid production. All four H2 inhibitors on the market are now available without a prescription and considered to be safe during pregnancy. But talk to your doctor before taking them.

“They really work,” says Einarson. “You only have to take one or two a day.”

Dont Wear Tight Clothing

For all you expecting fashionistas, fret not. This is not a call to go the dumpy, shapeless route in terms of maternity wear. Just skip the fitted clothes that compress your belly in any way. Not only will it make you uncomfortable to wear such clothes at this point in your life but it also will force that pesky acid back up to your throat by pressing down on your uterus, which shoves against your stomach in turn.

Tip #: Remember To Eat Small Portions

Chances are that your doctor has already advised you to try to eat 5-6 small meals a day while pregnant in order to cut back on the infamous morning sickness, but this is a great way to reduce your chances of heartburn too! Eating small meals helps keep your stomach from getting too full and producing too much stomach acid. Try to eat small meals throughout the day and abstain from eating for 2-3 hours before bedtime! Not eating before bed gives your stomach enough time to empty before you go to sleep.

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Is There A Remedy For Heartburn During Pregnancy

Im in my second trimester. No matter what I eat, I get heartburn. Is this normal? If so, what can I do to feel better?Cari

Heartburn which, despite its name, has nothing to do with the heart is a common pregnancy complaint.

Many pregnant women experience a burning sensation in the throat and chest when the stomach contents move back up into the esophagus . This may be because hormones cause the valve at the entrance to the stomach to relax so that it doesnt close properly, allowing acidic stomach contents to move upward into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux , or acid reflux. It can get worse later in the pregnancy when the growing uterus presses upward on the stomach.

To help minimize the discomfort of heartburn:

• Steer clear of certain foods and drinks that can make it worse citrus spicy, fatty foods caffeine and carbonated drinks.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day.
• Take your time when eating.
• Drink fluids between not during meals.
• Avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before bedtime.
• Resist the urge to lie down after meals.
• Elevate your head when sleeping.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that can safely be taken for heartburn during pregnancy.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MDDate reviewed: April 2014

Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

What Can I Eat That Wont Give Me Heartburn While Pregnant

The good news is you can eat a lot of things that wont cause heartburn symptoms while pregnant. The important question really is, says Dr. Johnson, what should you not eat if you have GERD? There is actually a relatively short list of foods to avoid, including alcohol, chocolate, citrus juices, tomato-based products, peppermint, coffee, and fatty foods.

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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.

How To Get Rid Of Heartburn Naturally While Pregnant

How to get rid of heartburn with diet?

We already know acid reflux recurs most at night.

The relaxation after a hard day needs anything but the best. But, unfortunately, heartburns occur most when you try to rest at night.

So, the best way to get rid of heartburn when pregnant naturally might include some of these:

#1. Ginger

The highly rich whole-meal food is laced with zinc, manganese, and magnesium.

Oatmeal is not only easy to prepare but also easy to digest.

Moreover, oatmeal can be made as a part of a meal or dessert.

Regardless, it will boost metabolism whenever you decide to have a bowl. It also supports better intestinal health.

Pregnant women can eat it in smaller portions.

Its one of the most filling foods to get rid of heartburn while pregnant.

So, these were some of the foods that wont cause heartburn during pregnancy and can help avoid terrible acid refluxes.

Clearly, there are easy-to-get solutions with natural as well as medicinal options.

Now, let us look at the causes of heartburn during pregnancy.

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Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

When does heartburn start in pregnancy?

Many starts to feel it at the beginning of the first trimester.

However, some see heartburn as a symptom of pregnancy.

Acid reflux during pregnancy third trimester is also quite a common phenomenon.

Here are the causes of heartburn in pregnancy listed down below:

Why Is Gerd Common During Pregnancy

GERD is practically a hallmark of pregnancy because changing hormone levels can affect the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. The hormone progesterone, producedin large amounts by the placenta, is a smooth muscle relaxant, according toHeather Johnson, MD, an OB-GYN at Reiter, Hill and Johnson of Advantia Health in the Washington, D.C. area. The relaxation of muscles in the digestive system also causes the lower esophageal sphincter muscles to relax. This allows stomach acid to more easily make its way into the esophagus. This, combined with the increasing size of the uterus in the second and third trimesters, pushes the stomach upward and intensifies uncomfortable symptoms. Hence, symptoms tend to worsen as the pregnancy progresses, Dr. Johnson notes.

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Dont Lie Down For A While After Eating

Once you have eaten, try not to lie down within 60 minutes of your meal. Give your food a chance to digest so that it doesnt feel the need to pay you back with heartburn. Once you do go to bed, lie down on your left side. This way, the acid moves into the intestines while more nutrients go to the baby and the placenta.

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When Should I Talk To My Doctor

If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms , you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.

Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.

Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. Research indicates that medications called H2 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.

Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesnt respond to other treatments.

If youre concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.

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Baking Soda Remedy For Heartburn

Sodium bicarbonate or the very common baking soda lying on your kitchen shelf can relieve heartburn in a matter of few minutes by balancing the pH level of your stomach. Baking soda with a pH higher than 7 can effectively neutralize your stomach acid. When your stomach acid will not remain acidic, you wont get the burning sensation, even if it travels up to your lower oesophagal sphincter.

Get this:

• Baking soda- 1/2 to 1 tsp
• Water- 1/2 to 1 glass

Do this:

• Add the baking soda to the glass of water.
• Mix and drink this.
• Do this whenever you feel acid coming up into your throat. However, do not consume more than 3 tsp of baking soda in a day.

Do this for a week only and if your heartburn still persists, either use some other remedy or consult your doctor. Prolonged use of baking soda is not desirable for your body.

How To Get Rid Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, as joyful as it is, comes with its own set of not so nice symptoms. Its common for women to experience nausea, back pain, sore legs, and interrupted sleep.

Acidity or heartburn is another really common pregnancy side effect that you may experience. Heartburn during pregnancy is so common that up to 50% of women are likely to experience it at some point in their pregnancies.

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Depending on how bad your symptoms are, you might not be able to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy completely but you can definitely ease the pain.

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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.”

Slippery Elm Bark And Marshmallow Root

Some mamas find relief from mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm bark and marshmallow root. Due to their gummy consistency, they coat the intestines and soothe digestion. Be sure to use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner and away from food and supplementsthey can interfere with nutrient absorption.

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Fluids Are Your Friends

Having a baby using your bladder as a trampoline may not encourage you to drink a lot of water but trust us, water will drown out the pesky reflux thats lit a fire in your belly. It will effectively stop it from making its way upwards and ensure that your insides are soothed. Drink water but not all at once. Ensure that you sip on fluids throughout the day.

Foods That Help Heartburn

If you want to know how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast, one of the best ways is to look at what youre eating.

A good rule of thumb is to stick to whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Try to avoid processed foods and cook at home so you can control the ingredients.

Heres a list of foods that help heartburn.

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Watch Your Weight Gain

Your growing belly is a sign of a normal, healthy pregnancy and although it may be one of the reasons for your heartburn, you dont want to exacerbate the problem further.

Extra pounds can put additional pressure on your abdomen and increase the chances of heartburn, so aim to keep your weight within the recommended guidelines.

Stick with a healthy diet, made up of mostly whole foods, and get enough exercise.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend women with normal, healthy pregnancies get between 20 and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise mostor all daysof the week.

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:

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Safe Antacids During Pregnancy

If your symptoms dont improve after making these changes, talk to your OB/GYN or midwife about taking an over-the-counter antacid like Tums or Alka-Seltzer.

These antacids coat the lining of the esophagus and stomach, neutralize stomach acid, and are a quick and effective way to alleviate heartburn.

For approximately 30 to 50% of women, antacids will do the trick.

Antacids that are made up of aluminum, calcium, or magnesium hydroxides are considered safe during pregnancy.

However, high doses of antacids, and those that contain magnesium trisilicates and bicarbonate have been associated with certain risks, so its important to speak with your provider before you take an antacid.

Its unclear whether proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec and Prevacid, and histamine-2 receptor antagonists such as Pepcid and Zantac, for acid reflux are safe during pregnancy.

According to a January 2018 study in the journal Pediatrics, pregnant women who used PPIs and H2RAs were 45 percent more likely to have children with asthma than women who didnt use these medicines.

What To Drink For Heartburn Relief

Some liquids and foods can help reduce heartburn. Such these include:

• Coconut WaterCoconut water is very hydrating and can help in preventing heartburn. It soothes the heartburn, and on top of that, it promotes the health of the stomach. Regular consumption of coconut water will reduce acid reflux and it is very safe for pregnant women.
• Whole GrainIt is vital that you keep better eating habits as a pregnant woman. This will lead to balanced health during the second and the third trimester. Whole grain such as brown rice and cereals are rich in minerals, fiber, enzymes, and vitamins. All these nutritional benefits will help reduce heartburn. Other whole grain foods that you can eat include oat, barley, and white rice.
• PapayaPapaya is helpful in maintaining a balanced acidic environment in the stomach. It helps in preventing acidity and thus can reduce heartburn. Papaya also takes care of an upset stomach. Hence papaya can help pregnant women reduce the number of stomach related issues.

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Heartburn Acid Reflux And Gerd During Pregnancy

• What to eat

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.

Change Your Sleeping Habits

Put that beautiful rocker/recliner in the nursery to good use and start sleeping on it now! This is another way to fight gravity and ease heartburn symptoms.

A second option is to elevate the head of your bed. You can do this by putting six-inch blocks under the head of your bed.

Alternatively, you can buy a foam bed wedge that you place under your head down to your waist, and sleep on that. That will keep you propped up.

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Give Up Caffeinated And Carbonated Drinks And Chocolate

As is with fried, fatty, and spicy foods, these elements encourage the production of acid in your belly and cause heartburn. And while giving up chocolate may seem like blasphemy, you and your baby will likely be a lot happier once you do. Similarly, caffeine and carbonated drinks have been proven to be bad for pregnant women, so it would do you good to stay clear of them!

Say No To Fatty Spicy And Deep

Unfortunately, everything with fat and spice, and deep-fried preparations are a big no-no when it comes to your pregnancy diet. Your cravings may be demanding you grab a handful of such delicious treats, but you will pay for it later! This cure for heartburn while pregnant is not really a cure as much as it is a piece of advice abstain from these sinfully delicious foods as they trigger a reaction in your stomach that increases acid production. Some even erode your sphincter allowing for easy backflow of acid to your throat. You can maybe indulge once in a while just to stem your cravings, but remember never to overeat when it comes to such foods!

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