Heartburn in Pregnancy

Most of the women who are pregnant or have been pregnant can relate well to having heartburn in pregnancy. The sudden burning feeling or uncontrollable coughing fit that awakens you from sleep is no picnic. Unfortunately, pregnancy and heartburn do seem to go hand in hand. However, you do not need to meekly accept it as a part of your life until the baby is born. Heartburn can be conquered using simple methods.

Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, her body produces increased amounts of both estrogen and progesterone. These hormones relax soft muscles such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn can cause food and digestive juices to rise back up into the esophagus. Thus, the painful, burning, sometimes choking sensation. To add to the discomfort, as a pregnancy advances and your growing belly expands, so the likelihood of heartburn increases.

Conquering Heartburn in Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy can be relieved (if not eliminated) by following some tried and true steps:

• * Sleep slightly elevated. Pillows can be used, but the ideal would be a firm foam wedge that elevates your head six inches while still supporting you from the waist up.



• * Sleep on your left side. This not only helps reduce heartburn, but also increases the flow of blood to the uterus, as the pressure of your organs is taken off the vena cava (a major vein).



• * Do not eat for at least 2 hours prior to going to sleep. It may seem simple, but sit up while you're eating and after eating to keep the food and acid down.



• * Eat intermittently. Rather than eating 3 full meals a day, divide them into 6 smaller meals. Eating smaller meals helps the gastrointestinal tract perform its assigned task. It is important that you do not skimp on nutrients, but your body will manage better if you spread them out and eat them in smaller portions and more frequently. Many women find that chewing slowly when they eat also helps.



• * Eliminate rich foods. This works for those that suffer regular heartburn as well as those whose heartburn is initiated by pregnancy. Foods that increase symptoms are those that are very rich, very fatty, very spicy, caffeinated, highly processed (such as certain cheeses and meats), types of mints (such as spearmint and peppermint), and refined foods (white bread, white pasta etc.). Fried foods and carbonated drinks are also potential triggers.



• * Do not smoke. Smoking not only increases the likelihood of heartburn, but also increases many other risks for both you and your baby.



• * Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing around the abdomen or waist only helps to push the baby further up on your stomach.



• * Try to relax. It is so much easier said than done, but sometimes taking a few deep, calming breaths and raising your arms over your head can relax you enough to ease your heartburn in pregnancy.



• * Antacid. In the worst cases, you can ask your doctor or other medical practitioner to guide you towards a safe low-sodium antacid.