Heart burn is a medical condition which can affect everyone. This is caused by the reflux of the stomach acids in to the oesophagus. Heart burn is generally characterized by pain in the chest, behind the breast bone and sometimes in the jaw region.
Women can suffer from heart burn during pregnancy. Even if you haven’t suffered from heart burn, you will be prone to it during pregnancy. Although heartburn is considered to be common during pregnancy, you can ease the pain and discomfort by following certain simple steps.
Symptoms Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heart burn is characterized by the pain in the chest region, especially behind the breastbone. Sometimes this chronic pain can reach the jaw. Heart burn is accompanied by trouble during swallowing, sour after-taste in the mouth and sometimes the pushing of swallowed food back into the mouth. The stomach acids, which are present in the gastric juices, are responsible for the painful and burning sensation.
The sphincter muscles separating the stomach and oesophagus tend to become loose during pregnancy. This is caused by the female oestrogen and progesterone hormone, more notably by the progesterone hormone. The growing foetus tends to extend the belly upwards and also causes an increase in pressure in the belly.
How To Prevent & Cure Heartburn During Pregnancy
One way to ease heartburn during pregnancy is to eat small meals at regular intervals. This helps in keeping the stomach acids in a stable state. Although it is a big temptation to snack, avoid unnecessary snacking, as it will just aggravate the condition. Abstain from lying down immediately after you have eaten. If possible, try to have short walks after your meals, as it will aid the digestion process. Water should be consumed only after meals. Too much water consumption in between meals can cause frequent heartburns.
Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended that you stop smoking completely; at least during your pregnancy. Barring the ill- effects on the baby, smoking is found to contribute to your heartburn. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol since it has the same effect as smoking.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Do not eat excessively spicy, oily and sour foods. These types of food can react unfavourably with your slow working digestive system and are responsible to generate heartburn. It is harder to digest these types of food than others; hence, a higher chance of heartburn occurrence.
There are other holistic options available to prevent heartburn during pregnancy as well. Herbal teas can provide some form of relief. Not only are they healthy to the body in general, but herbal teas will make you relax as well. If possible, you can keep chewing gum, as this will help in combating the stomach acids.
One of the best recommendations for overcoming heartburn is to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will not only provide nutrients to your body, but will also relieve you of heartburn.
Try to avoid prescription drugs at all times if possible. However, before taking them you should consult your doctor.
