Manage Heartburn During Pregnancy

By Bonnie Owens on March 16th, 2009

• Link to StumbleUpon
• 3 Comments

The worst thing that I can remember about my first pregnancy is the heartburn I experienced.  I had never had heartburn before, but suddenly I had this sour burning sensation moving through my chest and throat after every meal.  It affected how I ate, how I sat, how I exercised even how I slept.  And as much as I enjoyed my pregnancy, I found myself counting down the days just so I could be done with this awful side effect.  When I became pregnant for the second time, I started researching how I could avoid heartburn this time around.  I found out that heartburn is caused by an increase in hormones that soften the ligaments that normally keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tightly closed.  As well as increased pressure on your stomach from your expanding uterus.  Since these changes cannot be avoided, in many cases heartburn cannot be completely avoided either.  Here are some steps that I found to minimize the discomfort you may experience.

Get Heartburn Relief
Get Heartburn Relief - Register For A Sample Of Prilosec OTC® Today. – www.PrilosecOTC.com
Heartburn Relief
Find Heartburn Relief Info. Your Healthy healing Guide. – www.Bodyhealing.com
Save On Brioschi Heartburn Relief
Save on Brioschi for relief of heartburn & upset stomachs at NWC 24/7. – www.NationwideCampus.com
Sponsored Links for heartburn
what's this?
1. Don’t eat foods that are known heartburn triggers.  These include chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard, vinegar, mint products, and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, and fatty foods.
2. Avoid drinks containing caffeine because can relax the LES. 
3. Avoid alcohol because it relaxes the LES.
4. Don’t eat big meals.  Eat several small meals throughout the day instead.
5. Don’t rush through your meals.  Take your time eating, and chew thoroughly.
6. It’s important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy (8-10 glasses daily) along with other fluids, but don’t drink these only at mealtimes.  Large quantities of fluids can distend your stomach, putting more pressure on the LES and forcing it to open inappropriately.  Drink some of your fluids in between meals.
7. Wait at least three hours after your last meal before going to bed.
8. Sleep with your head and shoulders propped up with a wedge pillow or elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches.  This will allow gravity to work for you and it will help keep your stomach acids where they should be–in your stomach and not in your esophagus.
9. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.  You need to avoid any tightness around your waist and stomach.
10. Bend at the knees instead of at the waist.  Bending at the waist puts more pressure on your stomach.
11. Sit upright in a comfortable chair rather than slouching.
12. Don’t smoke.  While your doctor may urge you break the habit because you’re pregnant, smoking can also increase your odds of experiencing heartburn.
13. You should always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter remedies while pregnant, but some heartburn relievers may prove helpful.