Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Pregnant Women
There are several reasons why pregnant women experience heartburn sysmptoms.
One of them is that they have an increase of hormones whilst pregnant. This may result in the softening of ligaments functioning in the lower esophageal sphinter (LES) that should be closed. Sometimes when the LES rests it will let gastric acid and food backi into the esophagus and the throat if its not firmly closed.
Another reason that women experience heartburn during pregnancy is due to the obvious changes in the body and with the developement of the baby more pressure is created in the stomach.The stomach contents are therefore forced into the LES and then to the esophagus.
There are several ways a pregnant women can help reduce the discomfort of heartburn.
01) Keep a note and avoid the foods that triggers your heartburn. Everyone is different but typical foods that aggravate are spicy foods, chocolates, fried fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices and tomato based products.
02) Avoid excess caffeine, like coffee, tea and soda. Some people go off these in pregnancy any way but too much of these can cause the LES to relax and the acid return into the esophagus.
03) It’s common knowledge to avoid alcohol in pregnancy but this also is another contributor to heartburn.
04) It’s also reported that having lots of small meals throughout the day is far better than eating a large meal.
05) Take your time when eating – don’t rush your meals. By chewing your food thoroughly will help you avoid heartburn.
06) Have your last meal at least 3 hours before lying down to sleep.
07) Sleeping with the head of the bed raised by six to eight inches or using a ‘wedge’ pillow to elevate the head should help with night time heartburn. By doing this, gravity will work in help keeping the acids in your stomach, not in the esophagus.Your doctor/medical practioner will have additional expert knowledge on this subject.
08) Another trigger to heartburn in pregnancy is tightness around the waist and stomach. Don’t wear tight clothes.This is the perfect time to be able to wear comfy clothing.
09) Avoid creating too much pressure in the stomach when bending – do it at the knees – not at the waist.
10) Sit upright in a relaxing chair, you can still be comfortable without slouching.
11) Don’t over eat just because your are pregnant, maintain a sensible weight. Too much fat will add more stress to your stomach which in turn will force the contents throughout the LES and to the esophagus. Stay within your doctors guidelines.
12) Please avoid smoking. We all know and doctors have stated several effects that smoking has on pregnant women.Experiencing heartburn is one of them.
All of the above may help to the reduce the suffering of Acid reflux and heartburn but you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor if you are concerned about anything during pregnancy.
