Simple Natural Approaches To Heartburn In Pregnancy
Slippery elmis a gentle, safe herb made mostly of a type of carbohydrate that turns slippery when wet hence the name. Slippery elm helps to coat the lining of the esophagus and stomach, easing acid, and healing the tissue. The easiest way is to use it is to purchase Thayer Slippery Elm lozenges from a natural foods store. They are totally safe in pregnancy. Dose: 2-4 at a time, repeat as needed. They can be taken right before sleep.
is another herb that gets slippery when wet. It is excellent in the treatment of prenatal reflux. You have to purchase the herb in bulk form and make tea, or you can take capsules. Dose 1 cup of tea twice daily. To prepare, steep 1TBS of the chopped root in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes, then drink. Or take 2 capsules 2-4 times daily.
Melatonin helps to tone the lower esophageal sphincter can be taken safely up to 0.3 mg before bed during pregnancy and it may help with sleep, too!
Raw Almonds: Almonds help to tone the lower esophageal sphincter , the muscular gateway between the esophagus and the stomach, keeping stomach acid in its proper place! Chew 8 or 10 raw, unroasted, unsalted almonds daily.
Avoid Food Triggers
Eat Smaller Meals Throughout The Day
If you’re suffering from morning sickness, eating just a little at a time is probably no problem for you. But if your appetite is healthy, be sure to avoid eating so much that you feel full.
Just as it does when you’re not pregnant, an overly stuffed stomach can contribute to heartburn. Instead of three square meals a day, try five or six smaller ones.
What Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
People use the terms heartburn and acid reflux to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:
- Acid reflux refers to the LES not tightening as it should. This allows the stomach acid to travel from your stomach up to your esophagus.
- Heartburn, the feeling of pain or burning in your chest, is a symptom of acid reflux.
Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing.
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Tips To Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy
Are you pregnant & looking for heartburn relief? These tips and home remedies are great to relieve heartburn during pregnancy and can make you feel better fast!
Ahh!! I still remember my third trimester when no matter what I did I was somehow not able to shake off this weird heartburn feeling in my throat. It was unbearable to lie down and sit and all I wanted was something cold and sweet to get down my throat to find relief. I was lucky to undergo the severe heartburn condition only in my third trimester, but I have and seen a couple of my pregnant friends who were at this miserable heartburn condition from as early as the first trimester.
Although heartburns during pregnancy is a common thing, there are a few natural remedies as well as over the counter medicines that can help you find relief. In this blog post I will dive into what causes heartburns, when can you expect them to show up in pregnancy and a few tips that might be able to relieve you of the heartburn condition.
P.S. I am not a gynecologist or a medical expert. Below remedies are from my learnings of what has worked well with me during my pregnancy as well as a few pregnant women that I know. Please make sure to consult your OB/GYN before trying any of these.
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How Do You Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy
Besides taking Gaviscon, Pepcid, or some other over-the-counter concoction that may or may not be suitable for pregnant women, there are quite a few natural, organic remedies that you can use to quell the burning sensation. Chewing on sugarless gum is a surefire way to increase saliva production, which can neutralize excess acid in your esophagus. Note that sugarless gum does contain artificial sweeteners, but it is usually fine in moderation. Also note that mint can often exacerbate heartburn in some people, so opt for a non-minty flavor if it happens to affect you.
There are several foods you can eat that make things easier on your tummy as well. Almonds also help neutralize stomach acids and are a good source of protein. They also make a great snack. Almond milk will work for this too, as will cow’s milk, warmed up with a spoonful a liquid sweetener. These base liquids will also help neutralize the discordant acids of the stomach. Papaya is high in vitamins A and C, and has been known to calm sour stomachs for years. Try it fresh, dried, or freeze-dried all of them will do the trick.
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How To Relieve Pregnancy Heartburn
When youre experiencing heartburn, a handful of raw almonds can help you feel better, as can ginger or ginger tea. Also, try snacking on pineapple, which can act as a digestive enzyme. After dinner, we know its tempting to lie on the couch and watch Netflix, but try going on a walk to ease your heartburn. In terms of medications, its considered safe to take Tums, Gaviscon or Ranitidine , but its a good idea to talk to your health care provider before taking any medication.
Pregnant Women And Heartburn
Pregnant women are more likely to get heartburn for a number of reasons.
First, during pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is secreted in higher amounts to support the pregnancy. Progesterone causes the valve that separates the food pipe from the stomach to relax, causing heartburn.
In addition, the growing uterus starts to put pressure on the stomach and other internal organs in later pregnancy. That pressure can also push food and stomach acid back into the food pipe.
Indigestion and heartburn are more likely in women who had heartburn before pregnancy and in those who have been pregnant before.
Preventing heartburn is the best way to manage it. Certain foods or beverages tend to trigger the symptoms. Avoiding those foods can help to prevent the discomfort associated with heartburn. Foods that tend to trigger heartburn include:
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and pineapple
- Caffeine
- Tomatoes
- Chocolate
As well as avoiding these foods, it can be helpful to eat smaller meals more often. Instead of three big meals per day, five or six smaller meals may be better.
Staying upright for at least 20 to 30 minutes after eating can prevent the stomach contents from backing up into the food pipe.
At night, it is better not to eat within 3 hours of going to bed. Propping up the head of the bed or using extra pillows to keep the head elevated can help prevent heartburn that occurs at night.
Anyone who finds it difficult to quit should speak with a doctor.
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Eat Small Meals Often
Eating smaller meals oftenthat is, five or six small meals a day instead of three or four large mealsmeans that your stomach is never packed with food. This will cut down on the likelihood of getting caught with heartburn.
Its a simple fix for anyone who is really suffering the key is to be organized and plan your meals ahead.
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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Elevate The Head Of Your Bed
To prevent heartburn while sleeping, you can raise the head of your bed. Elevation will prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. Plus, it will prevent swelling in the legs.
A 2006 analysis of controlled studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that elevating the head of the bed is an effective strategy to reduce acid reflux symptoms and heartburn at night .
Try to raise the head of your bed about 2 feet. Also, you can use a wedge-shaped, foam rubber pad to elevate your upper body. Avoid using only pillows to elevate the upper body, as it will put pressure on the stomach and aggravate your symptoms.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with approximately 8 ounces of water sip throughout the day and an hour before meals.
It seems strange to think about drinking vinegar when your chest is burning, but low stomach acid actually creates heartburn. This works because it increases the acids, resulting in relief. Make sure the vinegar is raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Bonus points for an amber bottle.
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Does Water Help With Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Water can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to affecting GERD symptoms in pregnancy. Dr. Johnson notes that some women find that drinking water after a meal helps. It is thought that it may reduce the level of acidity in the stomach. However, Dr. Ross suggests saving the water for non-meal times, as drinking large amounts while eating may fill up the stomach and increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.
Because stomach volume is reduced due to the growing uterus, consuming too much water can provoke GERD symptoms. Any extra water you drink can overwhelm the lower esophageal sphincter, causing uncomfortable symptoms. In other words, drink water in moderation, preferably after or between meals, to avoid provoking symptoms.
Home Remedies To Cure Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn is quite common in women during pregnancy. Here are 10 home remedies you can follow to cure heartburn during this stage.
Pregnancy is a very crucial stage, a woman needs utmost care in this time and she cannot even have many medicines if she falls ill. This makes home remedies the only treatment option left to cure problems during pregnancy. Heartburn is a serious issue which needs to be treated soon as it creates a lot of discomfort and uneasiness. Pregnant women may feel like fire being lit up in their chest. Heartburn during pregnancy can be treated with a number of home remedies that are useful to calm down the stomach. Today we will discuss about 10 home remedies that are useful in pulling down heartburn during pregnancy.
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How Do I Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy
When youre growing a human being, you dont have time for that yucky acid reflux. But your usual go-to methods for treating it may not be safe for your unborn baby.
Instead, here are some of the safest and best ways to get rid of heartburn when youre pregnant:
Symptoms Of Indigestion And Heartburn
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:
- a burning sensation or pain in the chest
- feeling full, heavy or bloated
- burping or belching
- feeling or being sick
- bringing up food
Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.
You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.
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How To Get Rid Of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast
You never know when or where heartburn may strike. Its a good idea to keep some emergency heartburn-relief remedies in your handbag in case youre caught off guard.
Keep a small stash of the following items on you at all times:
- Oatmeal
- A teabag of your favorite heartburn-relieving herbal tea
- Milk.
Calcium-containing antacids such as Tums or Rolaids .
During pregnancy, the stomach has prolonged gastric emptying times and the gastroesophageal sphincter has decreased tone. Together, these changes lead to reflux and possibly combine with decreased esophageal tone to cause ptyalism, or spitting, during pregnancy as well as reflux and heartburn.
Sleep With Your Head And Chest Elevated A Bit
Many people with acid reflux swear by their “bedges,” wedge-shaped pillows that gently slant your upper body upwards to keep stomach acid where it belongs.
- And there’s no need for buying a pricey special product, Dr. Richter says. “You can get these at places like Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $25,” he says. We like the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge .
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Should I Be Worried About Heartburn During Pregnancy
While heartburn isnt fun, it generally isnt a serious problem. However, pain in the abdomen or shoulder, which is sometimes mistaken for heartburn, can be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication where the woman develops high blood pressure and signs of damage to the liver or kidneys, usually after 20 weeks. If your heartburn is sudden, doesnt go away, accompanies pain in the abdomen and up the back, and is really intense with severe pain, contact your health care provider or go to the hospital for emergency assessment, says Martin.
Read more:
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Heartburn During Pregnancy
If heartburn isnt going away, talk to your provider. They can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant.
You should also call your provider if you:
- Have heartburn that wakes you up at night.
- Have trouble swallowing.
- Have black poop.
- Are losing weight.
Heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack. If youve never had heartburn before and youre having chest pains, call your provider or head to the nearest ER.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Heartburn during pregnancy is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester. You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms. Before you take antacids, be sure to check with your provider for the safest option to take during pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/29/2021.
References
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Heres What Other Mamas Have To Say About Relieving Heartburn During Pregnancy Naturally
I asked the moms on my Facebook page about their go-to natural remedies for pregnancy heartburn, and here is a sample of their responses.
- Apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, digestive enzymes! Katie Keepman
- An apple in the morning and right before bed. Elsa Silva
- It may sound weird, but I would either drink a little pickle juice, or eat a spoonful of peanut butter and within about 5-10 minutes was gone. Jessica Fields
- Baking soda in a little bit of water helped! Was it gross? A little, but still more enjoyable than heartburn! Erin M. Strand
- Maybe not the healthiest, but I always had ginger snaps next to my bed. I ate one or two at night for the heartburn and another one or two in the morning for the nausea. Sarah Gilroy
- I didnt treat my heartburn with any natural remedies, but did learn that bad heartburn can often present itself as nausea/morning sickness! Women who experiences bad nausea/MS should consider your remedies as well! Renee Jillian
- So far, wearing hazelwood helps some. Not perfect, but helps a little. Susan Miller
- I had heard to eat a few green olives. So when a pregnant friend was needing relief, I suggested her to try itand it works!!! Shawna Beaubien
- Liquid slippery elm works instantly! Ashly Burke-Goike
What Is Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnancy heartburn can be a living nightmare for many. Although it’s common and not at all harmful to you or your baby, it’s painful all the same.
It occurs when the digestive acid from your stomach rises up into your gullet or oesophagus . This acid can come up as far as the back of your throat or into your mouth and it leaves a nasty, bitter taste behind. You’re more likely to get pregnancy heartburn if you have had indigestion before, or if you have been pregnant before.
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