Heartburn is common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes and weight gain. The good news is, there are several ways heartburn in pregnancy home remedies, ranging from adjusting your diet to taking medication.
During pregnancy, mothers can experience a number of discomforts. One of them is heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the throat and chest due to stomach acid rising back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and changes in body shape are usually the cause. A burning sensation in the chest can certainly make pregnant women uncomfortable. Therefore, find out how to deal with heartburn in pregnancy that can be done here.
How To Get Rid Of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast
Although the name is heartburn, this condition has absolutely nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle responsible for keeping stomach contents in place, begins to relax or leak.
This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and esophagus.
Heartburn is common in pregnant women. Because pregnancy hormones can make the valve at the entrance to the stomach relax, it doesn’t close as it should. As a result, stomach acid rises into the esophagus, also known as acid reflux.
In addition, the growing development of the fetus can also squeeze several organs in the mother’s body. The enlarged uterus will put pressure on the mother’s stomach, so it is likely that stomach acid will rise, especially if the mother’s stomach is full.
Heartburn in pregnancy usually occurs after eating or before bed, and symptoms can range from uncomfortable to excruciating. However, don’t worry. Here are some heartburn in pregnancy home remedies you can do to deal with it:
1. Eat Less, But More Often
When you are experiencing heartburn, do not overeat, because it will worsen the symptoms. Instead of eating three meals a day, try to eat six small meals each day. This will help prevent the stomach from being overwhelmed and make it easier for it to empty quickly.
Eating less and more often can also help prevent heartburn later in life. By keeping the weight not excessive, the pressure on the stomach can be reduced, so the risk of heartburn occurs small.
2. Avoid Trigger Foods
Try to pay attention to foods that trigger heartburn, and avoid or limit these foods. Types of foods that can usually trigger this condition include acidic foods (such as citrus fruits or tomatoes), oily or fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and carbonated drinks.
Read also: How To Help With Nausea During Pregnancy
3. Consume More Fluids
Watery or soft drinks or foods are less likely to cause problems than solid foods because liquids can move through the stomach more quickly. So, try to eat more soft foods or drinks.
Soups, pureed smoothies, yogurt, milkshakes, and puddings are some good food choices to help with heartburn during pregnancy. Another way besides consuming soft foods, mothers can chew solid foods until they are really soft to prevent these digestive problems.
4. Pay attention to the sleeping position
To avoid heartburn at night during pregnancy, stop eating at least three hours before bedtime. In addition, lie down with your head 15-20 centimeters higher while sleeping. Mothers can use extra pillows to make the head position higher. That way, the contents of the stomach will not flow back up.
Read also: Bad Dreams During Pregnancy, What Does It Mean?
5. Take Antacids Wisely
An effective and fast way to deal with heartburn during pregnancy is to take antacids. The drug works by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. However, talk to your doctor first before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Antacids containing calcium are still safe for consumption by pregnant women. Just don’t overdo it, because too much calcium can block iron absorption.
Remember, avoid antacids that contain aluminum. Drugs containing aspirin should also be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
If pregnant women experience certain worrying health symptoms, you should check with your doctor.