When a woman gets pregnant body undergoes various changes. Pregnancy is a very exciting time, and problems, including heartburn, can make it difficult to enjoy all its aspects. There is an old wives tale that pregnant women suffer from acid reflux, which means the baby is born with a full head of hair. However, the truth is that heartburn results from changes in the body due to excess hormones.
These hormones can cause a woman’s stomach to produce more acid. Pregnant women are not uncommon to eat more food than before, so they will produce more of it. Their combination can cause some acids to travel up the esophagus. Up to º of all pregnant women have to deal with acid reflux every day of their pregnancy. This makes it difficult for them to focus on their daily routine or get enough sleep at night.
As pregnancy progresses, more pressure is placed on the stomach. This can also cause more acid to pass into the esophagus. That is why most pregnant women have suffered from acid reflux in the last few months. What the woman consumes affects the baby, so there are limits to what can be taken. Many types of prescription drugs for acid reflux are not a good idea.
Antacids can be taken to treat mild cases of acid reflux during pregnancy. Extensive research has shown that they do not harm the baby. Pregnant women should be careful even though it contains a lot of sodium. This can cause fluid retention and swelling of the legs and ankles.
Every woman wants her baby to be as healthy as possible, and it is understandable. This is why natural ways to relieve acid reflux during pregnancy are essential. It is important to consume plenty of fresh fruits, some of which increase the risk of acid reflux. Avoid those that contain large amounts of acid. They include oranges, lemons and grapes.
Do your best to eat six small meals each day, so you don’t feel hungry. Your body can digest these smaller meals more quickly than larger meals. Drink an adequate amount of water during the day to keep yourself hydrated. Liquids definitely help the body digest food easily. Avoid eating in the last few hours before you sleep at night; otherwise, you may suffer from acid reflux all night.
Elevate your head and shoulders even when you sleep. This helps keep acid from going up into the esophagus at night or when you rest during the day. There are special pillows for this, or you can stack two of them. You can have someone raise the head of your bed with boards or bricks for you. Adding a few inches definitely makes a noticeable difference.
Lying in the left lateral position will help reduce your stomach acid. It will increase when you lie on your right side or your back. Lying on your left side during pregnancy may not always be comfortable, but do your best to get into the habit. It will surely help you in suffering from acid reflux.
Following such guidelines can help alleviate acid reflux during pregnancy. It’s a great time to be a mother, so stay away from the negative aspects of it. Getting enough rest is also important as soon as you have a baby through the night. If you suffer from regular heartburn during pregnancy, share this information with your doctor.