If you are having pregnancy heartburn, you are definitely not alone! In fact, pregnancy heartburn affects 8/10 women at some point during their 9 months and - as you probably know by now - can be pretty unpleasant. It’s been found that around 1/4 of women experience heartburn during pregnancy in their first trimester, 1/3 of women in their second trimester and 3/4 of women in their third trimester. So, whilst some things get better as your pregnancy progresses, pregnancy heartburn, although harmless is unfortunately, likely to get worse. Show Thankfully there are some solutions and pregnancy heartburn remedies that have been tried and tested. To help you find pregnancy heartburn relief and put your mind at ease, we’ve put together a brief insight into what pregnancy heartburn actually is and some of the best ways to manage it. What is pregnancy heartburn? All heartburn, including heartburn during pregnancy, is caused by acid reflux: Acid from your stomach rises up through your food pipe (oesophagus), irritating it. This happens when a small muscle, located where the food pipe meets the stomach, is weak or too relaxed. Its job is to let food into the stomach and to stop food and acids from coming back out, but if it is weak, the stomach’s contents are able to flow upwards. It can leave you with pain or a burning feeling in your chest and/or throat. It can also cause a hoarse voice, sickness, bloating, an unpleasant taste in your mouth and bad breath – not fun! Heartburn during pregnancy is particularly common as progesterone – a hormone that relaxes muscles and prepares your body for labour – relaxes that little muscle that keeps acid in your stomach. It can also become more common later in pregnancy; as your baby grows, it can push on your organs, slow down digestion and push stomach acid upwards. Tips to reduce and relieve pregnancy heartburn If you’re suffering from pregnancy heartburn, there are some effective tricks and remedies you can try to help reduce it. It may be a struggle, but just remember that it will all be worth it when you meet your little one and become a new parent.
Some simple changes to your diet can really help with pregnancy heartburn. Certain foods are more likely to cause heartburn in pregnancy and by avoiding these you can find some relief from the discomfort of heartburn. Looking at your portion sizes, how quickly you eat and when you eat can also help in managing this condition, without the need for heartburn medication.
It sounds strange but there are particular positions that are more likely to lead to pregnancy heartburn. As your body changes, parts of your insides are pushed and squeezed to make room for your growing baby and in turn making it more common to have pregnancy heartburn. These suggestions for resting positions will help to alleviate heartburn during your pregnancy.
When you are suffering from heartburn during pregnancy and you have tried all the natural remedies, you may want to try some heartburn medication. This should be done in consultation with your doctor or health professional to ensure it is safe for you and your growing baby.
These suggestions are not only useful for pregnancy heartburn but as a general guide for pregnancy to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. Choosing the right clothing and making time for some relaxation in the day will be beneficial to you and your baby and may also relieve that pregnancy heartburn too!
Pregnancy heartburn is very common and many expectant mothers suffer from heartburn at some stage in their pregnancy. It is important to note if the heartburn symptoms do not subside. Make a note of the points here and seek the advice of your health specialist if you are concerned that your pregnancy heartburn is infact something else.
If you’re suffering with heartburn during pregnancy, then hang in there – it will be worth it once you meet your bundle of joy. If you have any questions or further tips on dealing with heartburn during pregnancy we’d love to hear from you! DM us on instagram @bluebellfamily or contact us here.
Home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy aim to relieve discomfort and promote the woman’s wellbeing. The doctor or registered dietitian may recommend consuming an apple, pear, melon juice or specific teas to relieve symptoms and reduce stomach acid production. These home remedies should not substitute treatment prescribed by the doctor. These will not completely cure heartburn, but rather, improve any related symptoms. Only after the birth of the baby will the heartburn resolve, as the heartburn is usually related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. In addition, before trying any teas, it is important to consult your doctor or a health care professional specializing in medicinal plants, as some plants may be contraindicated during pregnancy.
4 home remedies that are safe for the treatment of heartburn during pregnancy are: 1. Milk and dairyDrinking milk, preferably skim, or eating dairy products, especially natural yogurt, can help relieve the discomfort caused by heartburn. Milk creates a thin barrier in the lining of the stomach, decreasing irritation and relieving the symptoms of heartburn. 2. Eating an apple or pearBoth apples and pears are fruits that help to regulate the stomach's acidity, which helps relieve associated discomfort and malaise. You are advised to eat these fruits (with the peel) as soon as the first signs of heartburn appear. 3. Drinking or eating something coldEating ice-cream or very cold milk or water helps with the discomfort caused by heartburn, making it a safe option to use during pregnancy. 4. Eating crackersCrackers are also good for treating symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy. This type of food is able to absorb any excess acid in the stomach which may be causing heartburn. Why it happensHeartburn commonly occurs during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that happen during this period. In addition, the baby's growth and development can compress the stomach, forcing stomach content to go back up the esophagus towards the mouth, leading to heartburn symptoms. Heartburn during pregnancy can also be a result of diet. Therefore, avoiding fatty foods is advised, as well as foods with caffeine. You should also avoid drinking liquids during meals. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend and over-the-counter antacid, like Tums, to help with heartburn. |