Dont Go To Bed Right After Meals
Heading to bed right after a hearty meal is a shortcut to heartburn and acidity. Your body needs time to digest the food and sleeping right after your meals means you are not allowing the digestive system to do its work.
As a result, the food inside your stomach comes back up into your esophagus. The stomach acids come up and create that burning sensation in your chest or throat. Moreover, your body needs to be in an upright position to digest way. Try not to eat for at least three hours before you hit the bed.
Foods That Fight Pregnancy Heartburn
by | February 27, 2018 | HEALTHY MOMS, Pregnancy & Postpartum |
Pregnancy heartburn or acid reflux: whatever you call it, that uncomfortable, burning sensation and constant need to burp is one pregnancy symptom all moms-to-be could do without.
Towards the end of both of my pregnancies, I had persistent heartburn at night the minute my head hit the pillow. Id try to burp myself like a baby, hitting my back and my chest to try to relieve some of the pressure and prop my head up with pillows so I could get a few hours of shut-eye. Although it helped a bit, I was happy after I gave birth to no longer deal with it.
Approximately 30 to 50 percent of women will complain about pregnancy heartburn.
The reason is primarily pregnancy hormonesprogesterone and relaxinwhich cause the lower esophageal sphincter, or the muscles around the esophagus to relax and push food acids back up.
Eating alone can also cause acid reflux, so avoiding food two hours before bedtime is a good idea.
Triggers can vary between women but spicy foods, foods high in fat, and those that contain caffeine or citrus usually cause heartburn.
A good rule of thumb: stick to whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables and eat meals you make at home so you know exactly what youre eating. Here, 10 healthy foods that fight pregnancy heartburn.
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.
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List Of Best Foods For Preventing Pregnancy Heartburn
Usually, your specialist might prescribe antacids that promote a soothing and cool feel.
Besides, you might need to alter your lifestyle to reduce the acid-burning sensation.
This includes changing the frequency and times of your meals. You may have to ditch spicy stuff and incorporate more clean and natural foods.
Dont know where to start? No worries!
Begin with these 25 must-have foods to prevent pregnancy heartburn. Plus, Ive included tips on how to consume each food safely.
Why Treat Heartburn And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Heartburn and acid reflux are traditionally considered innocuous because they are common in pregnancy and are usually self-limiting. However, a recent study suggests that GERD is associated with an increase in the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy , which can have serious negative effects on a womans quality of life.10 In a prospective cohort study conducted by the Motherisk Program, 194 pregnant women with NVP and heartburn or acid reflux were compared with 188 pregnant women with NVP who did not have heartburn or acid reflux. The 2 groups were assessed for severity of NVP with the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea score, which is a validated scoring tool based on frequency and duration of nausea, vomiting, and retching in the past 24 hours, with a high score indicating more severe NVP. Quality of life was measured by the well-being score, with 0 being the worst and 10 being the best. Forty-eight percent of women in the control group had severe NVP according to the PUQE, compared with 75% in the group with heartburn and acid reflux. The mean well-being score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the group with heartburn and acid reflux .11
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Or Inquire About Proton Pump Inhibitors
If other medications don’t help, there are also proton pump inhibitors , such as Prevacid. These have a more powerful acid-suppressing effect than H2 blockers, and most are available over the counter.
Although PPIs are, in general, safe for pregnant women, animal studies have raised concerns that omeprazole could harm a developing fetus, Dr. Richter says. “My recommendation to patients would be to avoid that one because there are about five or six out there on the market, with the H2 blockers,” he says. “All of them look to be safe during pregnancy.”
Be sure to discuss any medications with your doctor.
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Use Ginger To Soothe The Burn
Some women find that gingerginger ale or ginger candies, such as Chimes Ginger Chews, for examplecan help ease an upset tummy.
This spice can also combat nausea and vomiting, which often go hand-in-hand with heartburn.
Although there’s not much scientific evidence for ginger as a remedy for pregnancy woes, Einarson says, it is safe to consume when you are pregnant.
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Heartburn Often Appears During The Second Trimester And It Can Get Worse As Your Belly Grows Learn More About What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy With Expert Tips For Relieving The Pain
Like the name implies, heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest but it has nothing to do with your heart. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter , a muscle responsible for keeping stomach contents in their place, begins to relax or leak. This allows stomach acids to flow upward into the esophagus, explains Suzanne Trupin, M.D., CEO of Womens Health Practice of Champaign, Ill.
Unfortunately, most pregnant people will experience some acid reflux , especially in the second half of their pregnancy, says Shari Brasner, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. The uncomfortable sensation tends to get worse as your baby grows.
Heartburn usually appears after meals or at bedtime, and it can range from uncomfortable to agonizing. Understanding the causes and prevention strategies can provide relief to expectant parents. Heres what you need to know about heartburn in pregnancy.
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 Can I Prevent Pregnancy Heartburn
The best course of action is to try to prevent the heartburn from occurring in the first place. So, eat smaller meals and avoid fatty foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, acidic foods and spicy foods. This will help decrease the amount of acid in your stomach, explains Selk. Citrus fruits like oranges can also bring on the burn, but they offer valuable folic acid, so instead of cutting them out entirely, try a low-acid orange juice and drink it after youve had cereal or toast to help absorb the stomach acid. And during meals, skip beveragesit can decrease the effectiveness of gastric juices, says Martin. In addition to adjusting what you eat, Martin suggests taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup of water once a day to try to increase the effectiveness of your gastric juices. And keep in mind that laying down after eating can make heartburn worse Martin suggests not eating after 7 p.m., as it might make going to bed uncomfortable. Natural cures for common pregnancy symptoms
How Can Heartburn In Pregnancy Be Relieved
Although heartburn can last for the entire pregnancy, there are some things you can do to relieve the feelings.
Some suggestions are:
- Eat a high fiber diet
- Dont eat late at night
- Dont eat and then lie down
- Sleep propped up, not completely horizontal
- Eat a diet low in acidic and fatty foods.
Its best to try to treat heartburn during pregnancy naturally.
Although its unpleasant, heartburn isnt usually serious enough to take stronger measures.
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What Causes Pregnancy Heartburn
Although the exact causes of this heartburn arent clear, most experts believe that pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, play a role.
Hormones cause relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, which is a tight circular band of muscle at the top of the stomach. This allows partially digested food and stomach acids to backflow, or reflux, into the esophagus. In addition, progesterone also slows the digestive process. This keeps food in the stomach longer.
The pregnancy itself the upward pressure of the growing uterus also may play a role.
These can make your heartburn worse:
- Most spicy, greasy or fatty foods
- Eating large meals or overeating
- Eating right before bedtime
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Feeling The Burn Tips To Manage Heartburn Gerd In Pregnancy
Heartburn is common in adults especiallyduring pregnancy. While some research suggests women who have moderateheartburn during pregnancy give birth to babies with fullerheads of hair, having symptoms more than twice a week might be asign of gastroesophageal reflux disease , or recurrent heartburn.
According to a study of 510 pregnant women, approximately 26% have GERD symptomsduring the first trimester. The rate jumps to 36% in the second trimester and51% during the third trimester. Thats substantial compared with the 20% of adults in the U.S. who experienceheartburn.
Why the increase in symptoms during pregnancy? Progesterone, a hormone that increases early in pregnancy, relaxessmooth muscle in the body. It helps your uterus stretch to accommodate thegrowing fetus, but also reduces the reliability of the esophageal sphincter aring-like structure that seals off stomach contents from the throat.
Increased pressure placed on the stomachexternally from the growing uterus, especially in the third trimester, can alsoworsen heartburn symptoms such as:
- Burning pain in the center of thechest, especially after eating
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Sore throat or cough
Thankfully, thereare several pregnancy-safe ways to deal with acute heartburn and ongoing casesof GERD.
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What Is Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn doesnt really mean your heart is burning, but its a good description of the pain that begins behind the breastbone. It then moves upward to the neck and throat.
Officially, heartburn is known as gastroesophageal reflux, when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids back up into the esophagus. This is a hollow muscular tube between your mouth and your stomach.
Many women who have heartburn during pregnancy have never had that problem before. Unfortunately, if you had heartburn before becoming pregnant, youre more likely to have symptoms while you are pregnant.
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Heartburn During Pregnancy Remedies
Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding heartburn:
- Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
- Wait an hour after eating to lie down
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods
If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural ways to relieve the symptoms:
- Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk
- Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
Over-the-counter antacids may prove helpful in relieving your heartburn, but do not take antacids without speaking to your healthcare provider. Some antacids contain high levels of sodium, which can cause fluid buildup in body tissues. Some also contain aluminum, which is not considered safe for pregnancy.
If your heartburn is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication for you.
Want to Know More?
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Eat Smaller Meals Throughout The Day
If youre 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 youre not pregnant, an overly stuffed stomach can contribute to heartburn. Instead of three square meals a day, try five or six smaller ones.
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S To Get Rid Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
1. Monitor your Food Intake
Doctors advise expectant mothers to eat less in one meal. Instead of consuming a huge chunk of food at one go, one should break up their meals into smaller portions and divide it evenly through the day. Basically, as an alternative to eating two square meals a day, patients are advised to consume four to six mini meals.
The stomach has lesser space to expand since the growing fetus takes up much room. Eating less solves the problem and prevents gaining additional pounds that only aggravate the condition further. Moreover, the meals around lunch time should be heavier while keeping the morning and night meals lighter. This allows the body to have more time to digest the heavy meal. Smaller and healthier meals will prevent heartburns throughout the course of pregnancy.
2. Avoid Foods that can Trigger a Heartburn
Several food items can increase the possibility of a heartburn episode. These food items should be strictly eliminated from the diet of the expectant mother. Some examples of such food substances include spicy food, foods that are high on acids like citrus fruits , tomatoes, chocolates, coffee, alcohol and oily or fried foods. Try and recognize your individual heartburn triggers.
3. Incorporate Fluids into your Meals
4. Calcium-containing Antacids
5. Stay Hydrated
6. Dress Loose and Flowy
7. Plan your Sleep Schedule
8. Chew on Sugar-Free Gum
9. Consume Papaya
10. Home Remedies
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Heartburn Medication To Avoid During Pregnancy
Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids. Some contain ingredients that may harm you or your baby. Be sure to not to take these medications:
Ranitidine. In 2020, the FDA stopped sales of an H2 blocker called ranitidine because it was contaminated with a cancer-causing agent. If you take OTC ranitidine, stop your use. If you have a prescription for ranitidine, talk to your doctor about other options before you stop your medication.
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Diet Nutrition And Lifestyle
What and how you eat can make all the difference with heartburn during pregnancy.
Try:
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day
- Making your main meal at lunchtime, which takes pressure off the digestive tract later in the day when the body is tired or ready for bed
- Avoiding food a couple hours before bed or a nap
- Sitting upright after eatinglying down can push stomach contents back up
- Propping your head up with a couple of pillows while sleeping
Avoid:
- Tight fitting clothes. They put even more pressure on your organs.
- Liquids while you eat. This dilutes your digestive juices, making them less effective.
- Eating the following aggravating acidic foods:
- Caffeinated and sugar beverages, like tea, coffee, soda, etc.
- Spicy, fatty, rich, and fried foods
- Large quantities of meat in one sittingthe body works harder if overloaded or too rich
Again, adding and subtracting certain foods and behaviors daily will help build a more balanced foundation for your wellness.
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When Can I Expect The Heartburn To End During Pregnancy
Unfortunately, heartburn is a symptom you’re likely to experience throughout your entire pregnancy if you have it at all.
In fact, even if you escaped indigestion early on in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you’ll have a surge starting around the second or third trimesters, when your uterus takes over your abdominal cavity and forces your stomach upwards.
Fortunately, the burn should clear up as soon as you give birth.
Heartburn Symptoms And Pre
If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious, such as pre-eclampsia. A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia usually has high blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. Pre-eclampsia could also seriously affect a woman’s liver, blood and brain. Any pregnant woman can experience pre-eclampsia â almost 1 in 20 Australian women will develop it.
Because pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, you should let your doctor know if your heartburn medicine is not working. This is especially important if you’re also feeling very unwell or you have:
- sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face
- a headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
- problems with your eyesight such as blurring or seeing flashing lights or dots
- a strong pain below your ribs
Find out more about how pre-eclampsia is treated here.
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