How to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often accompanied by heartburn which is the burning sensation in your throat and chest. Despite being called “heartburn” it has nothing to do with your heart. Acid reflux which happens when stomach acid travels up through your food tube ( esophagus) in your throat, is the cause of the burning feeling. Heartburn and acid reflux are not limited to pregnant women .However pregnancy related changes such as elevated hormones and fetus pressure on your stomach can make it more likely that you will experience it. Here we should learn about how to relieve heartburn during pregnancy .
How does pregnancy related heartburn feel?
Heartburn symptoms tend to appear about 32 to 60 minutes after eating, although sometimes with a delay . Symptoms may also be impacted by movement. After eating you are more likely to experience symptoms if you band over, lie down or lift something. Symptoms of pregnancy related heartburn include:
● A burning sensation that could travel up your throat from your chest
● changes in the taste of mouth such as bitter or sour taste.
● Experiencing abdominal pressure or fullness, also known as bloating
● Regurgitating or bringing swallowed food back up.
● The burning may be feel painful but it’s usually mild pain
● Feeling unwell
What causes pregnancy related heartburn?
Pregnancy related heartburn is caused by all changes in the body that offer support to a developing fetus .
Hormone changes: During pregnancy your hormone levels fluctuate which might impact your ability to digest and accept meals .Your digestive system is slowed by the hormones. Slower food movement increases the risk of constipation, heartburn and bloating.
Relaxation of the esophageal sphincter: your lower esophageal winter me relaxes as a result of the hormone progesterone. This muscle is located between the esophagus and the stomach. When food passes from your esophagus river stomach it usually opens. In order to stop stomach acid from leaking into your esophagus it shuts. The lower esophageal sphincter May relax excessively as a result of progesterone, failing to seal to stop stomach acid from flowing backward.
Expansion of the uterus: Weight of the fetus expands the uterus and may cause pressure against the stomach, allowing stomach acid to move into the esophagus. This is the reason that heartburn gets more common in the third trimester, for that is when the fetus and your uterus have grown the most and crowd other organs.
Management of Heartburn during Pregnancy:
For the relief of heartburn we should follow the following changes:
By adjusting diet:
Dietary adjustment is one of the best strategies to avoid heartburn:
● Instead of eating big meals eat smaller ones more often
● Stay away from acidic ,fatty and spicy food that can cause reflux.
● Do not use caffeine and chocolate items because these have compounds that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
● consume foods that are high in fiber to help with digestion and prevent constipation.
Modify your Eating patterns:
● Chew your meal well and eat slowly
● After eating, wait at least 2 to 3 hours before falling asleep or lying down.
● To avoid AC reflex, raise your head as you sleep by using a veg pillow or an additional pillow.
Wear loose clothing:
Tight clothing may press against the abdomen thus worsening the heartburn further. Loose comfortable clothing will help you to avoid unnecessary pressure on the stomach.
Use Natural Remedies:
Heartburn during pregnancy can be manage with the variety of natural therapy such as :
● Ginger: it is well known for its ability to prevent nausea. Ginger can also help calm the stomach.
● Almonds: use some almonds after meal .it may help to balance the acidity of the stomach.
● Milk and yogurt: A tiny portion of milk or yogurt may offer momentary comfort.
● Herbal teas like chamomile or slippery elm tea may help soothe and cover the stomach lining When does pregnancy – related heartburn get worse? Although heartburn can occur at any point during pregnancy, it is most frequent during the third trimester when your stomach is under the most strain due to the size of your uterus. As your pregnancy goes on your chances of acquiring it rise .The frequency and severity of heartburn episodes may increase as you progress through pregnancy.
Can I take medicine to alleviate pregnancy related heartburn?
Your doctor or midwife could advise you to take medication for heartburn if alerting your diet does not help. Antacids can provide rapid symptoms relief. If you do not take more than the prescribed amount they are safe to use while pregnant. There are numerous varieties. To determine the best one for you, consult with pharmacist. Your doctor may recommend additional pregnancy safe medication if antacids are ineffective.
Conclusion
Pregnancy-related heartburn can be painful but treatable condition. You can find relief and concentrate on enjoying your pregnancy adventure by making food and lifestyle adjustment, experimenting with natural therapies and seeing a doctor as needed. Your trip will go more smoothly and be more pleasurable if you put your comfort and digestive health first.
