What’s Good For Heartburn 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.

Otc Medications May Also Help

If changes to your lifestyle and diet don’t work, that’s when doctors may recommend medication.

• Antacids: “Most antacids are considered safe in pregnancy and are compatible with breastfeeding,” Sridhar says. Antacids are OTC medications like Rolaids, Tums, and Maalox. And while they may be OTC, if you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor before taking them.
• H2 blockers: If antacids don’t work, a doctor may prescribe H2 blockers like Pepcid. H2 blockers can relieve heartburn because they help you produce less hydrochloric acid in your stomach, thereby preventing heartburn before it even starts.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors: If antacids and H2 blockers don’t work, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors like Nexium or Prevacid.

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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Tips On How To Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy

Why treat something when you can avoid it altogether? Heres some of the best tips on how to prevent heartburn during pregnancy. Note that, during the latest stages of pregnancy, and depending on your degree of heartburn, this might only help partially. You will still need to try some of the remedies for full relief.

I also found that the list below can be very restrictive. We all love some junk food every now and then, particularly when pregnant. Giving up all of these things, every single day, can be impossible sometimes!

Safe Medications During Pregnancy

Theres no doubt that along with the joys of pregnancy, women can and do experience uncomfortable side effects. If youre feeling under the weather, you may be wondering if over-the-counter remedies are safe for you and your baby. In most cases, its best to avoid OTC medications particularly in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. While some medications are safe to use in limited quantities, other medicines are known to increase the chance of birth defects or other problems.

If you have questions or are considering a medication thats not listed below, please reach out to your doctor for additional safety information. You should also call your doctor if you have a fever 100.4 F or greater, or if symptoms persist or worsen. The obstetrics specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group are here to help you weigh the risks and benefits of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.

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When To See A Doctor

You should call your healthcare provider if you:

• Experience heartburn that doesnt go away
• Have heartburn that wakes you up at night
• Have trouble swallowing
• Have black poop
• Are losing weight

If you have chest pain but never had heartburn before, you should see your doctor or seek emergency medical attention right away. It could be a sign of a heart attack.

Baking Soda For Heartburn

Chances are good that you have baking soda in your kitchen and if you dont you should really be aware of all the fantastic uses for baking soda and keep it on hand all the time. It is brilliant for household cleaning, for beauty and for health remedies too.

Making use of baking soda for heartburn is fantastic because it is highly effective, you probably always have baking soda in your kitchen, it is a natural remedy and it is inexpensive.

To get rid of heartburn mix in half a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Make sure to stir it until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Drink it slowly. You can repeat it every 2 hours.

The key ingredient in baking soda that helps to relieve heartburn is sodium bicarbonate. The sodium bicarbonate quickly neutralizes the stomach acid which relieves the symptoms of heartburn temporarily.

It is important not to take more than 7 doses in a day and if you are over 60 years old keep that down to 3 doses daily.

Taking in too much baking soda can result in acid rebound where more acid is produced making your heartburn problem even worse.

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Talk To Your Doctor About Heartburn Medications

This includes over-the-counter ones some are safe to take during pregnancy.

Antacids help neutralize the acid in your stomach and quell that burning sensation. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health says OTC antacids containing calcium carbonate are safe to use.

If you havent been able to quiet your heartburn with lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest heartburn drugs like Tagamet and Prilosec, which are generally considered safe during pregnancy. While these drugs are available OTC, you might receive a prescription for a stronger dose if your doctor thinks its warranted.

When youre pregnant, you have to think about the safety of everything you put into and on your body. Some heartburn medications that might be OK for your nonpregnant sister but not for you include:

• Antacids containing sodium bicarbonate, which can increase swelling.
• Antacids containing aspirin, which can be toxic to your baby. Aspirin use during pregnancy has been associated with pregnancy loss, heart defects, and bleeding on the brain in premature infants.
• Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, which havent been proven safe to use in pregnancy.

Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Heartburns

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Take Serious Action With Ranitidine

Doctors will be able to prescribe Ranitidine if your acid reflux doesnt give up. This is important if you constantly feel like you need the help of the medications mentioned above to help settle the heartburn. It is possible that rather than being acid reflux that it has become GERD, which is far more serious.

Ranitidine reduces the amount of acid that your body is able to make. The downside is that this can lead to some problems with digestion. Therefore, its given when GERD is a problem because this means too much acid is being produced.

Your doctor will want to keep the amount of the heartburn medicine you take to a minimum. It is usually given in tablet form and is a long term option.

I Have Heard That The Heart Burn Is Not Due To My Food Habits But Because I Am Carrying A Hairy Baby So Then How Will Changing My Diet Help

Pregnancy is a wonderful phase, but it also has a whole lot of myths and misconceptions associated with it. The reason for your heart burn is definitely not your babys hair. It is a common myth.

So dont be too surprised if you have heart burn and your baby doesnt have much hair. It works the other way too, you may not have had much trouble with heart burn and would have given birth to a baby with a head full of hair.

You can also read about tackling constipation during pregnancy.

Hope these tips will help all the moms to be.

Mommies, were you also plagued by heartburn during pregnancy? Do you have any remedies that help against heart burn?

Do share with me in comments.

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Manage Acid Production With Prilosec

This one is debated among doctors, but some do prescribe Prilosec for those who are struggling to manage their heartburn. Instead of balancing out and neutralizing the acid, this medication helps to keep the stomach acid to a minimum. It blocks some of the production.

There are downsides to this. Since there will be less stomach acid, it will be harder for the food to break down in the body. This is already difficult when it comes to pregnancy since there is less space in your abdominal cavity.

You dont get the immediate relief from heartburn with this. Its a long-term option, and TUMS is still recommended for the more immediate effects.

Heartburn Medicines When Your Are Pregnant

All the medications that you would usually take become questionable when youre pregnant. There are some that thin the blood and others that cause problems for the cell growth and structures of your growing little one.

Now you must think twice about what to take and what to avoid regarding heartburn medicine. It can be tricky, especially when it comes to the symptoms of pregnancy. You have to put up with pain, sickness, and heartburn medicine.

The good news is that many heartburn medicine and medications are safe during pregnancy. Here are 15 that you can definitely take, with some over the counter options and some herbal remedies to soothe and treat your acid reflux.

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If Youre Expecting You May Also Experience Heartburn Discover What Doctors Have To Say About Heartburn And How To Get Relief Fast

Along with swollen feet, frequent urination, and unusual cravings, heartburn is an issue that affects women during pregnancy. Heartburn is defined as a burning sensation in the upper part of the digestive tract and throat.1

If you are suffering from heartburn while expecting, read on to learn what obstetricians and gynecologists recommend for relief. However, you should still discuss your heartburn condition with your own doctor for a solution thats right for you.

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.

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Does Pregnancy Cause Heartburn

Pregnancy increases your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, muscles in your esophagus push food more slowly into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty.

This gives your body more time to absorb nutrients for the fetus, but it can also result in heartburn.

During the third trimester, the growth of your baby can push your stomach out of its normal position, which can lead to heartburn.

However, each woman is different. Being pregnant doesnt necessarily mean youll have heartburn. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.

Relieving heartburn during pregnancy typically involves some trial and error. Lifestyle habits that can reduce heartburn are often the safest methods for mother and baby. The following tips may help relieve your heartburn:

Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or guided imagery. Always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.

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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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

Avoiding Indigestion And Heartburn

If your symptoms are mild, it’s possible that changes to your diet or lifestyle may help prevent indigestion and heartburn. You could try:

• eating smaller meals, more often
• avoiding eating just before bed
• avoiding foods and drinks that you suspect give you heartburn
• not drinking a lot of coffee at the end of the day
• avoiding eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach more full
• sitting up straight while eating, and not lying down after a meal
• chewing gum, which may cause you to produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid
• stop smoking
• raise the head of your bed by 10 to 15cm
• sleep on your left side

If your indigestion is not helped by diet and lifestyle changes, or your symptoms are more severe, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take a medicine for indigestion that is safe to use during pregnancy. Medicines can neutralise the acid in your stomach, reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach and stop the acid rising into your oesophagus.

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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.

Ask Your Doctor About Prevacid

Prevacid is one of the recommended longer term options for heartburn/ heartburn medicine. It blocks the production of acid, but it doesnt offer the immediate relief. This is often recommended for those who suffer heartburn regularly, such as more than two days a week.

It is a category B heartburn medicine / medication, which means there are no known risks to a baby. Your doctor may not recommend it if you have liver disease or are deficient in magnesium. You will be recommended some of the above options.

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Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn in pregnancy may happen because of changing hormone levels, which can affect the muscles of the digestive tract and how your body handles different foods.

Pregnancy hormones can cause your lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus. Also, as your baby grows, your enlarged uterus can crowd the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward. Although it’s rare, gallstones can also cause heartburn during pregnancy.

How Can I Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy

They say prevention is the best medicine, so knowing common heartburn triggers can help you keep the acid at bay.

Of course, pregnancy itself is a major trigger for heartburn. As your growing uterus puts pressure on your stomach, this pushes stomach acid up your throat.

Those lovely hormones are no help either. They tend to relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, which makes it easier for acid to make its way upward.

While theres nothing you can do to stop this entirely, there are a few things that can help prevent heartburn from flaring up during pregnancy:

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Treating Heartburn During Pregnancy

Check with your doctor before taking any OTC medications for heartburn. If you get the green light, make sure to follow both the doctors and the package directions and dont overuse.

Liquid antacids may provide greater relief than other kinds, since they coat the stomach. Talk to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.

The following home remedies may also help:

• Warm milk with honey may soothe your stomach and reduce heartburn symptoms.
• Resist the urge to lie down after eating and take a stroll, instead.
• When you do sleep, try using your pregnancy pillow underneath your body from the waist up. This elevates your upper body while providing cushioning.

How To Treat Pregnancy Heartburn Naturally

While you can’t completely prevent heartburn during pregnancy, there are ways you can minimize how often it happens and reduce the severity when it strikes.

Below are seven tips from Wellenstein, Sridhar, and experts from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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