Heartburn And Pregnancy – Preventing Heartburn During Pregnancy

For most women, heartburn and pregnancy often go hand in hand. Even for those who have never had one before, as soon as their body recognizes that they are carrying a child, the occurrence of such medical condition becomes a regular thing. This condition is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest coupled with a sour or acidic after taste in the mouth.

 

Heartburn and Pregnancy – The Reasons

 

There are several reasons why women who are pregnant experience heartburn. One is the increased levels of hormone in their bodies which have been found to soften the ligaments that are supposed to keep the lower oesophageal sphincter tightly closed. The lower oesophageal sphincter is the muscle located between the stomach and the oesophagus. Whenever a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to allow the passage of food and saliva while at other times, it normally stays shut to prevent the stomach contents from going back up the oesophagus.

 

Apart from the increased level of hormones, a woman who is dealing with heartburn and pregnancy has a lot of adjustments to face and oftentimes this can lead to stress which further aggravates the many uncomfortable symptoms she is already experiencing. As her body changes, more pressure is put on various parts of her body including the stomach which in turn can force its contents through the LES and back up the oesophagus.

 

Heartburn during pregnancy may not be completely avoided but its many discomforts can certainly be alleviated. First, you can stay away from foods that have been known to trigger such condition. Examples of these foods are citrus fruits, chocolates, tomatoes and other tomato based food products. Others are vinegar, mustard, spicy foods, mint products, highly seasoned and fried foods as well as those that contain a lot of fat like pork and other pork products.

 

Foods that you can safely eat during pregnancy so that you may avoid heartburn are apples, bananas, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, baked or broiled meats like beef and chicken, egg whites and cream cheese. Heartburn and pregnancy often go together in most cases but sticking with these foods can help you avoid the symptoms of such medical condition.

 

The second things that you can avoid to keep the heartburn to a minimum are drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas and alcohol. Caffeine has been known to relax the lower oesophageal sphincter thus allowing food to go back up from the stomach while alcohol does the same thing. Generally, these two substances are also contraindicated against pregnant women for a variety of other medical reasons, least of which is the harmful effects that they cause towards the baby’s development.

 

Third, avoid eating big meals and eat them unhurriedly and in a relaxed mood and environment. Take your time eating and enjoy your food, chew slowly and drink plenty of water in between. Also, it is advised that pregnant women wait until at least three hours after their last meal before going to sleep in bed.

 

Heartburn and Pregnancy – Conclusions

 

A woman who is newly carrying a child has a lot to contend with, the least of which is heartburn and pregnancy itself. Paying attention to what you put into your mouth is just one way of avoiding the unnecessary discomforts of child bearing.

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