Care During Pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy is a regular illness when one is pregnant. Though it is not connected to the heart, heartburn is a burning sensation at the central region of one’s chest. Quite a number of women go through heartburn during pregnancy. In the same way, women who have never gone through heartburn might experience the illness for their first time when they are expectant. The burning sensation in the throat and chest and acidic, sour, mouth taste might be a common sensation for some of these women. What is the main reason for this?

Heartburn in expectant women is caused by many things. Higher hormonal level in your body when you are expectant is more likely to soften ligaments that usually keep the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) tightly closed. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes at unsuitable occasions, stomach acids and food are more likely to reflux back into the throat and esophagus. Additionally, more pressure is exerted on your stomach as your baby develops and your body changes.  Indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy are a common occurrence in the third trimester because the developing uterus exerts pressure on both the stomach and the intestines. The stomach pressure might as well push contents back to the esophagus.

What are the curative measures regarding heartburn during pregnancy?

The best way of preventing heartburn is dealing with it. These are a number of important guidelines you can use in an effort of avoiding it:

• Instead of eating three larger meals on a daily basis, eat 5 – 6 meals in smaller portions

• After you eat and before you lie down, wait for at least one hour

• Do not eat a lot of spicy, fatty and greasy foods

• Do not drink liquids that have a lot of caffeine like cola, coffee and tea. These drinks usually relax the LES and permit the acid to reflux back to the esophagus.

• Do not drink alcohol since it relaxes the LES. Go through the article on heartburn and alcohol for more guidelines.

• Avoid eating large meals and eat in smaller portions instead on a daily basis.

• Take your time as you eat and make sure that you chew and eat thoroughly.

• Prior to going to bed, relax for approximately three hours after you have the last meal.

• If you suffer from heartburn, there are quite a number of natural remedies you can use to relieve the symptoms:

• Drink one glass of milk or eat yogurt

• Try taking a glass of warm milk that has a tablespoon of honey

• The anti-acids that you purchase over the counter might be essential in relieving you of the heartburn complications. Avoid taking these drugs if you have not spoken to your doctor. This is because some of these drugs have high sodium contents that might lead to fluid buildup in your body tissues. On the other hand, some over-the-counter drugs have lead.

In case the symptoms exhibited in your heartburn during pregnancy are harsh, your doctor might recommend medication for you.