How to Manage Pregnancy Heartburn (Acid Reflux)?

When you are pregnant, there will be times when you feel so hungry and you eat to your appetite. But, as soon as you feel full, you might also get a burning sensation at your chest with either the food and/or acid regurgitating. This feeling of Acid reflux or Heartburn during pregnancy is caused by two hormones namely progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones cause relaxation of muscles of the oesophagus (food pipe) that cause the stomach acid to back up causing heartburn. During the later stages of pregnancy, acid reflux could also be because of the growing uterus pushing the stomach upward. Now, let’s look at some of the ways we can manage pregnancy heartburn (Acid Reflux).

1. Eat smaller meals
2. Eliminate foods that increase your acid reflux
3. Include foods that reduce your heartburn
4. Don’t consume antacids or any other medication without your doctor’s approval
5. Don’t sleep/lie down immediately after a meal
6. Use extra pillows

1. Eat smaller meals: Your acid reflux can increase when you eat a meal that makes your tummy too full. Eat 5-6 smaller meals rather than 3 meals to reduce the feeling of fullness.
2. Eliminate foods that increase your acid reflux: Watch over your diet and stop consuming the foods that increase acid reflux. Some common foods that increase acid reflux are tea, coffee, spicy foods, citrus fruits like lemon, etc.,
3. Include foods that reduce your heartburn: Some foods that can give relief for heartburn are cold milk, almonds, curd, banana, etc., Try to research and experiment foods that agree with your health and include them.
4. Don’t consume antacids or any other medication without your doctor’s approval: Antacids can hinder digestion and also impair absorption of nutrients by your body. It’s best to avoid any medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s approval.
5. Don’t sleep/lie down immediately after a meal: Even for a normal person, lying down just after a meal might result in regurgitation or heartburn. The hormones and your growing tummy might increase your heartburn. So, try to finish your meal at least 2 hours before bedtime.
6. Use extra pillows: Elevate your head slightly higher than your usual with extra pillows propped up. This can help in preventing heartburn and also for better comfort as your belly grows. Make sure you do it right to prevent neck or back pain the next day.

So, how did you manage heartburn during your pregnancy? Please do share us your thoughts in the comments section.