Pregnancy and heartburn all too frequently seem to go hand in hand. Among the explanations for this is the increased hormone levels in a pregnant woman’s body. This results in softening of the ligaments that are responsible for monitoring the passageway that leads from the stomach to the esophagus. This means that, gastric acid is able to progress up the esophagus and throat more easily. Another contributor to heartburn throughout pregnancy is the extra pressure that the growing baby puts on the stomach area. Often that can trigger the stomach acids to ascend to the esophagus.
There are several techniques by which a pregnant woman can lessen the distress due to heartburn. Following are some strategies that will offer some relief.
* While sleeping, keep your head raised about six to eight inches. A special acid reflux wedge pillow may be helpful to help you maintain this position. This will assist gravity to prevent the acids in your stomach from traveling up the esophagus.
* Avoid alcohol, which you should in any case for the well being of your baby.
* Pass up foods that result in heartburn. Included in this list are highly spiced foods, tomato products, chocolate, fried and fatty foods, and citrus.
* Don’t bend from the waist; use your knees instead. This puts less pressure on your stomach.
* Don’t slouch when seated. Sit straight up in a comfy chair.
* Avoid wearing tight clothes. Tightness around the waist and stomach will result in heartburn.
* Don’t go to bed for at least three hours after a meal. This will help prevent nighttime heartburn.
* Drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses every day. However don’t drink too much while you’re eating. This will lead the abdomen to expand too much and drive out the stomach acids.
* Don’t eat too quickly.
* Eat smaller portions of food. Consuming several mini meals during the day will keep the pressure off your stomach.
* Don’t gain an exorbitant amount of weight. Too much added weight puts more stress on your stomach.
* Stop smoking. Not only is it unhealthy for your baby, it contributes to heartburn symptoms.
* Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda.
Visit the Heartburn Relief site to find out more about the causes and cures for severe heartburn and how to get natural heartburn relief.