Tips For Reducing Heartburn During Pregnancy – You Are Mom

As the pregnancy progresses, various symptoms appear. These take the form of physiological processes that the fetus undergoes. But also, in the physical and metabolic changes of the female body. These changes do not affect all pregnant women in the same way. This is because the symptoms vary from person to person.

One of those that most affects pregnant women is heartburn.  It is an unpleasant condition in which you feel burning and heavy after meals. This nuisance is common and can occur at any time during pregnancy, although it is more common during the second and third trimesters.

What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Heartburn can be explained by several causes. For example, feeding or increasing the size of the uterus. One of the keys to the appearance of this symptom is in the hormonal changes that inevitably occur during pregnancy. Specifically, the  progesterone has a great influence on this process.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and also the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. In this way,  stomach acids return to the esophagus, producing the burning sensation.

This hormone also decreases the contractions of the digestive system, which makes the digestion process slower. This, along with the baby’s pressure on the tummy, will facilitate the onset of heartburn.

Home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Although it  is very difficult to eliminate this symptom completely, there are  some remedies that can help delay its onset.  They are also helpful in mitigating its effects and making the heat softer and more manageable.

• Avoid excess in meals. Menus during pregnancy should be free from heavy meals. It is best to eat several light meals throughout the day to satisfy your appetite.

• Be careful with certain foods. It is advisable to avoid foods that are very fatty, spicy, with a lot of theine or caffeine and very sweet. On the other hand, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is ideal for preventing and relieving acidity.
• Eat well and slowly. Eating food while chewing slowly helps ease the digestion of meals. This is why eating calmly and quietly will help you avoid burns.
• Drink water between meals. It is important to drink enough water during pregnancy, but not to overdo it. Too much fluids can swell the stomach.
• Chew gum after meals. This stimulates the salivary glands. And the saliva will help neutralize the acidity.
• Don’t sleep right after meals. It is best to wait an hour or two to improve digestion. In addition,  at bedtime, it is best to do it with an incline of about 45º. This position causes the reflux to stay in the stomach.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing,  therefore, avoid clothing that tightens around the waist and stomach.
• Do not smoke. In addition to being bad for your health, and especially during pregnancy, smoking increases heartburn.
• Avoid stress. Look for calm activities, play gentle sports, or breathe to relax. It will not only help with the burn,  you will also feel better in many other aspects.

What if the acidity persists?

If despite the above tips you are still suffering from annoying heartburn,  there are natural and home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms. For example, it is recommended to ingest many liquids, such as fruit juices.

Another widely used remedy is to  take a spoonful of olive oil on an empty stomach, as it acts as a fatty acid absorber. Moderate consumption of milk and yogurt can also calm symptoms.

However,  in some women, dairy products have the opposite effect and make the discomfort worse.

Finally, if none of this works, you can visit your doctor or gynecologist and ask for specific medications. Although antacids or baking soda take effect quickly, they can also have negative consequences.

It is important to remember that  all medicines should be prescribed by a doctor,  as they can affect the health and development of the baby.