How To Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy is something that many pregnant women experience between the second trimester and the end of this phase. Although it can be problematic in some cases, luckily heartburn is often mild and intermittent during nine months.
This burning sensation during pregnancy is caused by a combination of hormones and the force the baby exerts in pushing on the abdominal organs. In most cases, heartburn during pregnancy disappears after childbirth.
Certainly, many women experience heartburn for the first time in their lives during pregnancy. Although common and generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable for moms-to-be.
Heartburn during pregnancy and other related problems such as gas and bloating usually start in the second trimester. However, some women may experience heartburn earlier.
How to relieve heartburn during pregnancy?
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent heartburn during pregnancy. Women who suffer from burning in the esophagus can be reassured during pregnancy with just a few small changes in diet and lifestyle.
Here are some tips to relieve heartburn during pregnancy:
1. Eat small and frequent meals
The first thing that is recommended is to eat in small amounts and often. In addition, it is recommended that the last meal of the day be taken at least three hours before bedtime. Mothers-to-be who have heartburn should not go to sleep right after a meal.
2. Control the amount of liquids
Try not to drink large amounts of fluid after your last meal of the day. Keep in mind that the emptier your stomach is at bedtime, the less likely it is to cause acidity.
3. Chew gum
Chewing gum can be helpful in relieving heartburn. That’s because gum stimulates saliva, which contains bicarbonate, which in turn neutralizes the acid that builds up in the esophagus.
4. Avoid some foods
Any specific food that aggravates heartburn should be avoided. Among them are coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits and juices, spicy foods, tomatoes, mint, etc.
5. Apply aloe vera gel
This natural agent can be obtained from plant leaves or simply in a gel format that can be purchased ready-made. You should apply the gel to the chest, throat and abdomen. Aloe vera gel successfully treats inflammation, reducing heartburn and burning symptoms.
6. Don’t smoke
Pregnant women should not smoke. In addition to harming the fetus, tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and exacerbates acid reflux.
7. Have yogurt or milk
Drinking yogurt or a glass of milk can relieve stomach acidity. Remember that cow’s milk can provide immediate relief.
However, some say that over time heartburn can get worse with these dairy products. So try other alternatives like almond milk, rice milk or goat milk. For some people, heating the milk and adding a little honey can soothe the burning in the chest.
8. Drink coconut water
Coconut water acts as a great natural acid neutralizer. It is quite affordable and can relieve heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.
9. Lie on the left side at night
This very simple action can decrease acid reflux. In this position, it is physically more difficult for the acid to return to the esophagus. Sometimes it may be necessary to sleep in a reclining chair at an angle of 45 degrees or more.
10. Do acupuncture
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and has been treating heartburn for thousands of years. Its relaxing treatment helps reduce heartburn symptoms, adjusts esophageal pressure, decreases gastric acid and balances the functions of Organs digestive organs.
In short, to fight heartburn during pregnancy, it is important that you make some changes to your daily habits. Putting the above tips into practice will help you feel better and lessen the discomfort that acidity can cause.
