Heartburn and Acid Reflux During Pregnancy:
Ways To Soothe Heartburn and Acid Reflux During Pregnancy By Delia Muhammed.
Acid reflux also known as heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest.
Most people find it unpleasant as this burning sensation can go on for days. For some people, antacids provide some form of relief, for others, the discomfort lasts much longer.
What causes acid reflux (also known more as heartburn) during pregnancy?
The hormones in the body of a pregnant woman soften all of the organs. This means that the organs are no longer firm as it allows for the growth of the baby in the womb.
After you eat, your food moves through the gastrointestinal tract also know as the digestive system.
Food passes through the digestive system in the following order: Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Intestines ( small/ large), and Rectum.
The esophagus is the path from the mouth to the stomach. Once the food enters the esophagus, the hydrochloric acid in the stomach will start to bubble; at the end of the esophagus there is a ring-like muscle called a sphincter, it is the ‘door’ that opens for food and closes when the food enters the stomach to be dissolved.
During pregnancy, with organs being soft, the sphincter may not close securely to stop the hydrochloric acid in the stomach to rise up into the esophagus. This is what results in acid reflux/heartburn.
It is mostly after meals that this acid reflux experience will occur, so eating large meals can worsen the reflux symptoms. Belching/ burping or vomiting, tells you the sphincter is open.
Minimizing the Occurrence of Acid Reflux
Here are some tips that you can try to minimize or alleviate Acid Reflux.
1️⃣ Try not to overeat, avoid large meals.
2️⃣ Chew the food right down into small pieces (mushy) before swallowing.
The body is working hard at maintaining and sustaining a baby. Digesting food takes energy too. So, by chewing the food right down, the body has less work to do.
3️⃣ Blending certain foods might be a better way of ingesting if chewing is too much.
4️⃣ Don’t eat late. A couple of hours before going to bed. It sounds harsh as cravings could be the order of the day. Depending on what was eaten, always give your body time to digest the food.
5️⃣ Avoid drinking carbonated fluids. Having fruit juices and water might be better.
However, citrus drinks and juices such as apple and pineapple juice can cause reflux due to their high acidity. Herbal teas are fine.
6️⃣ Drink from a straw, so you can control how much you swallow at a time.
7️⃣ Assess the types of drinks that can cause heartburn. Ensure you monitor what you drink, how much you are drinking, and at what time.
8️⃣ Feeling nauseous can be a symptom of acid reflux.
9️⃣ Try not to lie flat. Elevating the head of your bed or sleeping with more pillows is an effective way to reduce the symptoms at night.
🔟 If symptoms persist over a period of days, visit your Doctor.
ALSO, SEE:
Pregnancy And Your Heart: Know The Risks
Anesthesia During Pregnancy – Is it Safe?
Delia Muhammad aka YOUR COMFORTER is a retired doula from 1993. A retired midwife from 2004. She is now a Life Coach, Psychotherapist, and a Counsellor/Consultant to pregnant women, supporting them with issues in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Delia is available to counsel and for consultations. Find more of her at www.deliamuhammad.com and by email: [email protected]
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