Good Foods & Lifestyle Practices
There are a number of food items, diet modifications and lifestyle improvements that can help alleviate heartburn during pregnancy.
1. Cold low fat milk: high fat milk can cause indigestion and heartburn but cold low fat milk can show just the opposite effect. It can provide a cooling effect on the stomach against the burning sensation caused by acids.
Low fat milk is easier to digest and thus doesnât pose any threats for indigestion to occur as well .
2. Raising the head of the bed: doing this helps keep the upper part of the body at an elevated level and thus prevents acids from refluxing up during sleep.
3. Avoid eating before sleep or vigorous exercise: eating just before sleep time of exercising is really harmful. It can cause increased heartburns and other digestion problems not just during pregnancy but in normal conditions as well.
The effects of such ill lifestyle practices are enhanced during gestation which is why sleeping or exercising immediately after meals should be avoided.
4. Drinking fluids between meals: it is better to drinking fluids between meals rather than with meals to avoid heartburns during pregnancy.
Drinking fluids with meals not only increases the amounts of food in the stomach but also hampers digestion causing the probability of reflux to get higher .
Eating healthy and during such time definitely eases the reflux problems and makes those nine months easier not just for the mother but for the baby as well .
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.
What Causes Heartburn While Pregnant How Does It Go What Is Good For Heartburn During Pregnancy
What Causes Heartburn While Pregnant?
A womans body goes through hormonal changes during pregnancy that can slow down her digestion.
One of the symptoms of pregnancy is stomach irritation. In pregnant women, these ailments usually occur in the second trimester or early in pregnancy. This phenomenon affects almost half of pregnant women and complicates their lives. There are several effective tips to help pregnant women relieve pain. During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. Gradually, everything adjusts to life as a couple.
l Hormones allow tissues and muscles to relax to make enough room for the baby. As a result, the sphincter at the exit of the esophagus also loses its tone, and acidic stomach contents can move into the esophagus, triggering heartburn.
l The stomach is more crampy, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. The growing child puts more and more pressure on the stomach, which compresses the stomach contents upwards.
l It also promotes the reflux of aggressive digestive juices into the esophagus. It then irritates the sensitive mucosa and causes this burning sensation.
How to Treat Heartburn While Pregnant?
Pineapples are important for pregnancy. This tip works for young pregnant women. You should use fresh and not canned pineapple. Many enzymes help prevent stomach acid production. You can have a slice for dessert after each meal.
l Choose clothes that are loose, especially at the waist.
What Is Good For Heartburn During Pregnancy?
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Can Acid Reflux During Pregnancy Hurt My Unborn Baby
Dr. Johnson assures that simple reflux on its own is not harmful to fetuses. It is only when there is a drastic effect on nutritional input that GERD during pregnancy could become a problem. If symptoms are preventing you from eating the recommended number of calories, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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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Reach For Almonds As A Snack
Almonds are a heart-healthy and high-protein snack that is perfect to eat during pregnancy. And by eating almonds, pregnant women are helping themselves to not have heartburn at the same time.
According to Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, almonds are a good snack to eat if suffering from heartburn because almonds help to absorb stomach acid. And because of this, by eating a handful per day, pregnant women will find that they suffer from heartburn on far fewer days than they did before eating almonds.
Natural Ways To Relieve Pregnancy Heartburn
There isnt much that can be done about preventing the organic causes of heartburn during pregnancyhormones and babys growth are natural and wanted aspects of pregnancy. So what can you do?
First, its important to avoid over-the-counter options, like Zantac. Although some practitioners will tell you these conventional medications are safe during pregnancy, new research suggests they arent safe during pregnancy or ever. In fact, many big name storesCVS, Walmart, and Walgreens, to name a fewrecently pulled these drugs from their shelves over concerns that they contain cancer-causing agents.
The good news is most women with healthy, normal pregnancies will find easy, convenient, and effective measures to relieve heartburn discomfort naturally, including:
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Heartburn And Indigestion In Pregnancy
Heartburn causes a burning feeling in the chest or throat. Its uncomfortable, but is not usually harmful to pregnant women or their babies.
8 out of 10 pregnant women experience heartburn. You’re most likely to get heartburn in the third trimester of your pregnancy.
The symptoms of heartburn include:
- a burning feeling in your chest or throat
- acid coming up into your mouth
- feeling sick
Easy Ways To Keep Heartburn At Bay:
Here are the tried and tested ways to keep heartburn away.
- Eat small meals
Rather than have big portions sizes divide your daily meals into smaller meals.
- Eat slowly
Take your time with meals. Once the child joins you, there wont be time for elaborate meals anyway.
- Amp up your fluids
Make sure you have a lot of water, dehydration can cause a lot of issues including heart burn.
- No water with food
While water is good for you refrain from having it along with food. Instead have it in between meals.
- Do not lie down right after meal
Though you might want to lie down every now and then, do not do so after having food. Instead take a light stroll, it will help stretching the muscles and also aid in digestion.
- Raise your head and chest while lying down
Yes, you guessed it right, this way the acids will stay where they are supposed to.
- Food triggers
Avoid spicy, fried and fatty food. These may seem tasty, but they come with side effects. Such foods can cause acid reflux. Apart from these chocolate and items with caffeine also can trigger heart burn.
Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes can put more pressure on your tummy and increase your discomfort.
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Taking Baking Soda During Pregnancy
There is no evidence that sodium bicarbonate is harmful for your unborn child during pregnancy, however it can cause fluid buildup which causes water retention.
If you have Oedema taking baking soda can exacerbate the problem.
Although there are some concerns about taking baking soda for heartburn during pregnancy the benefits are that it is a natural and very effective remedy for heartburn if taken in limited amounts.
It is best to check with your doctor before taking baking soda for heartburn during pregnancy.
What Makes It Better
For most women, things that help reduce acid production or prevent reux are helpful in avoiding the discomfort of heartburn. Here are tips that may help:
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Avoid classic spicy foods, as well as those with lots of fat or grease. Many people recommend avoiding citrus and chocolate, as well.
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Eat multiple, small meals spread throughout the day, much like grazing, instead of three big meals.
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Try elevating the head of your bed by several inches, and wait a while after eating before going to bed or lying down.
Some women find that its better to drink fluids between meals, rather than with a meal. This can increase the amount of contents in the stomach.
If your symptoms do not improve after the above recommended diet and lifestyle changes are in place, talk with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medicines. Antacids are available as chewable tablets and liquids. They work by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach and neutralizing stomach acid. Heartburn medicines called H2-blockers work by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach. Although most of these are considered safe in pregnancy, as with all medicines, these should be avoided in the first trimester.
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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:
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated and sugar beverages, like tea, coffee, soda, etc.
- Onions
- Spicy, fatty, rich, and fried foods
- Fizzy drinks
- 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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Prevention Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Some tips that may help you cut down on heartburn during your pregnancy include:
- Eat several small meals each day instead of three large ones.
- Eat slowly.
- Avoid fried, spicy, or rich foods or any foods that seem to cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of heartburn.
- Donât smoke tobacco or drink alcohol, which can make heartburn symptoms worse.
- Drink less while eating. Drinking large amounts while eating may increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.
- Don’t lie down directly after eating.
- Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or place pillows under your shoulders to help prevent stomach acids from rising into your esophagus.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight-fitting clothes can increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.
- Try to avoid constipation.
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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 its rare, gallstones can also cause heartburn during pregnancy.
What Is A Heartburn Reliever
As the name suggests, the best heartburn relief is designed to help make any fizzy feeling in your stomach, caused by stomach acid, to complete itself. This way, no stomach acid will build up to the point that it spills back into your esophagus where it leaves that burning sensation that wont go away easily. When taking this medicine, you will find that there is not much acid building in your stomach except for the ones that are needed for your digestion and that there will be less burping, bloating, and gas too.
There are different types of heartburn reliever being sold today as the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. There are those that are specially formulated for pregnant women so as not to endanger the baby inside the womb. When searching for the best heartburn relief for pregnancy, see to it that the dosage is appropriate to use for your condition. Discuss this with your doctor to ensure that you are getting the right product and amount of your heartburn woes.
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Who Needs Heartburn Relievers
Who needs to get their hands on the best heartburn relief? If you are pregnant and have been suffering from heartburn from time to time, taking a heartburn relief medication can soothe the pain away. This is because the medicine will help prevent the gas from building up in your stomach then cause the acid to come up all the way back to your esophagus. You wont have to worry about that burning sensation slowly moving up your throat because of this medication.
You can also use the best heartburn relief if you are prone to indigestion when eating. There are some individuals who tend to experience indigestion during meal times so taking medications for it can help relieve the build-up of gas and acid in the stomach. It is important that the medication is taken prior to eating so that it can do its work in helping keep the stomach and digestive system working efficiently.
If you have acid reflux, the best heartburn relief can be a huge help in keeping gas, bloat, and acid from forming too much in your stomach to the point that it will go back up your throat. Acid reflux can be painful at times especially after eating or when lying down but with a medication that provides relief, you will be able to go on normally without having to worry about a distended belly because of the gas present and the acid that gradually slides back up the throat.
How To Stop Heartburn And Indigestion
Try the following as your first port of call.
- Avoid large meals and eat smaller ones more often about every three hours.
- No midnight feasts. Dont eat late at night or three hours before bedtime.
- Avoid triggers like fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine and fizzy drinks or fruit juice. Keep a food diary to identify triggers
- Raise the head of your bed by 10 cm to 15 cm, or sleep propped up on lots of pillows.
- Avoid medication that may cause or worsen symptoms, if appropriate. Discuss it with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications
- Stop smoking.
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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.
Medications To Treat Gerd During Pregnancy
Beyond the dietary and lifestyle measures listed above, safe antacids are the next step in treating GERD during pregnancy. The first-line medications that are safe to use during pregnancy include:
Dr. Ross explains that these medications help coat the esophagus, minimizing the burning sensation. They also help neutralize stomach acid. These medications should be taken 30 minutes before each meal and before bedtime for optimal results, or they can simply be taken on an as-needed basis.
If you find that you are taking large and frequent doses of the above medications to treat your GERD symptoms, you may need an acid reducing medication, such as the following treatments are also safe during pregnancy:
- Tagamet
- Zantac *Though ranitidine was previously recalled, Zantac is back on the market with the same active ingredient as Pepcid.
These are considered second-line medications. Antacids work more quickly and are less expensive. Many women with mild symptoms wont need to try Pepcid or Tagamet.
According to Dr. Garza, it is best to avoid sodium bicarbonate or aspirin containing antacids during pregnancy. For severe reflux cases requiring care beyond the safer medications listed above, it is best to talk with your healthcare professional. He or she may prescribe proton pump inhibitors if the medications above dont work. These popular medications, like Prilosec and Nexium , are also generally considered to be safe during pregnancy.
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If Youre Taking Prescription Medicines
Speak to your GP if youâre taking medicine for another condition, such as antidepressants, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine.
Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless youâre advised to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional whoâs responsible for your care.
