Swollen ankles, heartburn, and acid reflux are very common things that happen during pregnancy. The body changes in many ways you have never experienced and thought of. During pregnancy, you should pay extra attention to what you are drinking and eating to safeguard your and your baby’s health and wellbeing. People often get confused about how to get rid of heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy. In this blog, we will be discussing tips on how to relieve heartburn and acidity during pregnancy.
Tips to Cure Heartburn & Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
While it is impossible to prevent or stop the changes brought on by pregnancy, certain precautions can go a long way in managing heartburn and acidity during pregnancy. Listing down some tips to cure heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy.
Dip into some yogurt
Yoghurt is a healthy snack to eat during pregnancy. It is packed with vital nutrients such as calcium and protein, which is great, as protein requirement is very high during pregnancy. The probiotics in yogurt help to get relief from acidity during pregnancy.
Drink milk with honey
Honey has numerous health benefits owing to its various medicinal properties and is great during pregnancy. Adding a glass of warm milk with a tablespoon of honey can make the stomach relaxed and provide relief from acidity, heartburn, and indigestion during pregnancy.
Snack on almonds
Adding little almonds after every meal is great for heartburn and acidity. Eat a few almonds after each meal, since these tasty nuts neutralize the juices in the stomach, which may relieve or even prevent heartburn and acidity during pregnancy.
Eat pineapple or papaya
The digestive enzymes in pineapple and papaya have helped ease symptoms. Eating these fruits after your meals can aid digestion and reduce your chances of heartburn.
Try a little ginger
Ginger is a great remedy for an upset stomach. It can reduce inflammation and prevent stomach acid from traveling up the esophagus and is one of the best pregnancy heartburn remedies.
Chew sugar-free gum
When it comes to acid reflux, chewing gum works to reduce acid in the esophagus. The act of chewing can increase your saliva production, and cause you to swallow more. This allows any acidity in your mouth to be cleared much more quickly and helps in acidity during pregnancy.
How can I prevent heartburn during pregnancy?
Heartburn and acidity are common during pregnancy but can be cured by some small lifestyle changes. Sharing below some tips to prevent heartburn during pregnancy.
Eat in moderation
During pregnancy it can be difficult for the stomach to digest food. It is advised to eat small meals regularly in moderation instead of three large meals a day. This will prevent acidity and heartburn.
Eat Healthy Food
It’s best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you’re pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well, to make sure you get everything you need. Include fruits and vegetables, starchy foods, and protein rich foods which will help your body to stay strong. Also, skip spicy, acidic, or fried foods which can cause heavy heartburn.
Identify and eliminate trigger foods
Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. Avoid citrus fruits, coffee, tea, beverages, oily foods, tomatoes, chocolates, and more. These all could be your heartburn culprits. Identify which foods do not suit you and banish them from your food regime.
Avoid heavy food during the night
Avoid eating a full stomach at nighttime and eat at least three hours before bedtime. Keep your dinner light and abstain from greasy foods. Also, prop up your pillows while sleeping or sleep on your left side.
Be active
Try and take a light walk after a meal. This will aid digestion and prevent acid reflux. Do household chores that are not strenuous and try to stand and sit at regular intervals. Do not lie down often.
Avoid lying down after eating
Lying down after eating is very relaxing and common but not healthy. Lying down just after eating can cause heaviness and acidity resulting in heartburn. Pregnant women should always avoid lying down after eating.
Prop yourself up at night
Sit up straight when you eat. This will take the pressure off your stomach. Propping your head and shoulders up when you go to bed can stop stomach acid from coming up while you sleep.
Eat slowly
Wolfing down the meals will defeat the purpose of spreading them out. Eating quickly increases the risk of acid reflux, so slow down and enjoy your food.
Wear loose clothing
Tight-fitting clothes are not your stomach’s best friend when you’re trying to prevent heartburn – particularly during pregnancy. Wear clothing that offers support without being restrictive.
Drink your fluids between meals
Too much fluid mixed with too much food will distend the stomach, aggravating heartburn. Try to drink most of your fluids between meals.
When can I expect heartburn to end?
Heartburn symptoms are usually mild and manageable. The above tips can make you understand about how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy. Fortunately, heartburn usually ends with the birth of your baby and your body goes back to its nonpregnant state.
When should I talk to my doctor?
If heartburn symptoms are associated with headaches or swelling of the hands and face, talk with your doctor before trying these remedies, especially if the symptoms are new and present in the last trimester of pregnancy. Heartburn-like pain can be a symptom of preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia puts mothers and babies at risk, and further evaluation may be necessary If your symptoms don’t resolve with diet changes or medication, let your doctor know so you can find an effective treatment.
As the baby grows and pushes upward, you need to make small lifestyle and dietary changes to keep the acids of the stomach in place. This beautiful journey comes with its share of hurdles. But, problems like heartburn and acidity can be easily tackled at home by following the above tips. Have a happy mommy time. Also check out Pregnancy Diet & Food: What to Eat & What to Avoid.