We all know that pregnancy comes with a series of uncomfortable symptoms. Usually, just when we think one is gone another emerges! The good news is it does not last forever and there is a wonderful package arriving at the end. The bad news is that you will have to endure the many quirks that come with being pregnant. Today we will discuss heartburn and what you can do to help relieve yourself from it, if it should occur and there is a very good chance it will.
A Bit of Prevention Goes a Long Way
Unfortunately, there is no way to actually stop heartburn from ever occurring during pregnancy. It is just one of those things women have learned to deal with. However, we have all heard that a bit of prevention goes a long way and in this case, that saying couldn’t be more useful. In order to minimize your risk of heartburn, avoid eating foods you know are apt to cause it. This includes foods which are extremely spicy, nuts, certain sugary snacks, soda and a number of others. Basically, if you know that something has caused you to get heartburn before, steer clear of it. There will be plenty of time for that once the baby arrives.
Sleep in a Propped Up Position
Not only will sleeping in a propped up position during the later stages of pregnancy help you to breath better as the baby will not be putting pressure on your lungs, but it can also help stop excess stomach acid from traveling up into the esophagus. This is true whether you are pregnant or not but most non-pregnant people prefer to lie down when they sleep. Put a few cushy pillows behind you and get in the most comfortable propped up position you can. Doing this may just help you realize a better night sleep with less or no heartburn. Always keep a few saltine crackers next to your bed just in case you should start to feel that all too familiar burning sensation as they work to help soak up some of that extra acid.
Eat Small Meals More Frequently
Instead of filling your stomach to capacity at each meal, eat a small meal and let that digest. If you become hungry more often that is fine, just give yourself a couple of hours and eat another small meal. The less food you put in your stomach at a time, the easier it will be to digest properly. This will help a great deal when it comes to preventing heartburn or at least stopping it from becoming a serious problem for you. Noshing (eating a little bit at a time many times throughout the day) is really the best thing a pregnant woman can do.
Watch Your Posture
How many of us have heard our mothers or grandmothers tell us to sit up straight or we’d get a hunched back? Well, guess what! I am about to tell you to sit up straight too, not only to sit up straight but stand up straight as well. Standing or sitting in a hunched over position can lead to stomach acid traveling up into your esophagus much easier. Pay attention to the way you are sitting or standing. Believe it or not, it really makes a difference!
If you are experiencing horrible heartburn during your pregnancy and none of the above suggestions seems to be helping, speak to your doctor about medications which may be safe for you. There are some over the counter remedies that your doctor may allow but beware of any containing aluminum or aspirin and always check with your physician first.