It is not uncommon to experience heartburn during pregnancy. This burning in the throat is caused by increased hormones in the body that soften the ligaments in the sphincter of the esophagus. Because the stomach acids are allowed to travel into the throat and esophagus, pregnant women are left to bear the burden of rearing a child and heartburn all at once. There are a number of natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy. These remedies will minimize discomfort and pregnancy complaints for a more enjoyable experience. Pregnancy is supposed to be a memorable time of your life filled with a lot of meaning. Remedy your heartburn and make it the last thing you remember when you look back to being pregnant.
Some of the best ways to remedy heartburn during pregnancy is to avoid specific foods all together. Spicy and greasy foods cause an increase in stomach acids. It is important to avoid foods and beverages that will cause gastrointestinal distress during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy. These foods and beverages include: caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods, citrus juices, mustard, tomatoes, vinegar, minty foods, highly seasoned meals, and fried foods. It may be difficult to cut these foods out entirely, however, reducing the amount you consume will result in a more comfortable pregnancy.
In addition to avoiding specific foods, you will need to change the way you eat. Many pregnant women have cravings and tend to eat large meals in one sitting. This causes a spike in stomach acids and severe discomfort immediately after eating. If you want to avoid heartburn minimize the amount of food you eat at one sitting and maximize the number of times you eat throughout the day. 6 small meals rather than 3 large meals will make a difference. Not only will this help your heartburn, it is also known to help women manage their weight gain during pregnancy.
Now, what to do after eating? Well one inventive remedy suggests to eat chewing gum after each meal. Chewing gum, as you may know, stimulates saliva. Saliva is known to neutralize acid and in turn will reduce acid reflux. Another thing to consider is drinking milk after a meal. This means you will have to leave enough room after your meal to down a cup of milk. Milk is a thicker liquid that will coat the stomach lining and can keep stomach acids down. This will reduce your gastrointestinal distress as long as you are not lactose intolerant.
There are a number of factors that make heartburn during your pregnancy worse. Wearing tight clothing, smoking, gaining too much weight, eating near bedtime, and drinking carbonated beverages will enhance the problem. If you want to get rid of the unpleasant burning sensation, there are several home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy. Try avoiding over-the-counter antacids unless your doctor approves them and take proactive steps to experience a comfortable third trimester. Once you have your bundle of joy the issues should automatically subside because the pressure and hormones are not affecting your esophagus.