How to Avoid Heartburn While Pregnant
As if the physical strain of growing a baby isn’t enough for your body to deal with, the burning sensation in your chest after you eat or lie down just adds to the fun.
Pregnancy heartburn is caused by the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus, as well as the added pressure from your expanding belly. Battle the burn with a few lifestyle changes.
Things You’ll Need
- Ginger
- Milk or yogurt
- Water
- Antacids, if needed
7 Steps to Avoid Heartburn While Pregnant
1. Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals.
Shoot for five or six small meals instead of three big meals, suggests the American Pregnancy Association. Your baby belly pushes on your stomach and having a stuffed stomach can lead to heartburn. Eat those meals slowly and enjoy the flavors.
Quick eating can also cause indigestion and potential over-eating. Avoid heartburn inducing foods, like citrus juice, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, fried foods and caffeine.
2. Try some ginger.
This pregnancy-safe spice not only smells pleasant, it also helps reduce heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Ginger comes in powdered, candied, pickled, raw and tea form.
3. Go for a glass of milk or yogurt.
These foods are natural antacids and help relieve your heartburn symptoms.
4. Drink plenty of hydrating liquids.
Ten to 12 glasses of water is recommended by the American Pregnancy Association. Sip your water throughout the day, especially between meals.
5. Stay upright for at least an hour after eating.
If you lie down while your stomach is full, you may get heartburn. Sitting is fine — just don’t be completely horizontal. This is also why you should avoid eating right before bedtime.
6. Sleep with your head and upper chest elevated.
This helps keep your stomach acids down where they belong. Use pillows to comfortably obtain this position.
7. Go for an antacid, if your healthcare provider has given you the “OK.”
