Top 10 Ways to Get Rid of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast

Introduction

Heartburn during pregnancy can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. While it is a common symptom experienced by many expecting mothers, constant discomfort can make it difficult to enjoy the journey of pregnancy fully. Heartburn is caused by a relaxation of the muscle connecting your stomach and esophagus, which causes acid reflux. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get relief from this frustrating symptom, and many of them can be done quickly and easily.

Top 10 Ways to Get Rid of Heartburn During Pregnancy Fast

Here are ten tips for getting fast relief from heartburn during pregnancy:

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, try 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day. This will help prevent your stomach from becoming too full and putting pressure on your diaphragm.
2. Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods are known to trigger heartburn, such as spicy or acidic foods, chocolate, and caffeine. Try tracking what you eat and when your heartburn flares up to identify which items you should avoid.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing around your waist can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to reflux. Wear loose, comfortable clothes instead.
4. Elevate the head of your bed: Elevating the head of your bed by a few inches can help prevent reflux while sleeping. Use pillows to prop up your upper body or invest in a wedge pillow.
5. Chew gum: Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Opt for sugar-free gum to prevent other symptoms.
6. Practice good posture: Standing up straight and not slouching can help keep the contents of your stomach in their rightful place.
7. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help keep acid away from the esophagus. Avoid drinking large amounts of water all at once, though, since this can also cause reflux.
8. Avoid lying down too soon after eating: Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down to help prevent acid reflux. This is especially important if you’ve had a large meal.
9. Use a heating pad: Applying a heating pad to the upper abdomen can help relax muscles and ease discomfort. Avoid using hot water bottles or anything too hot, though.
10. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption: Both of these can make heartburn worse, so it’s best to cut them out entirely, especially during pregnancy.

Safest Over-The-Counter Remedies for Heartburn During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, it’s vital to be cautious about what medications you take. However, there are several over-the-counter remedies available that are safe to take during pregnancy. Here are three of the most popular:

• Tums: These chewable tablets contain calcium carbonate, which can neutralize stomach acid. They also provide essential calcium to support your baby’s growth. Tums are safe to take during pregnancy as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dose.
• Gaviscon: This antacid foam can help create a barrier in your stomach to prevent acid reflux. It’s safe to use during pregnancy, and many women swear by its effectiveness.
• Mylanta: This liquid antacid is often used to treat heartburn and indigestion in pregnant women. It contains magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, which help neutralize acid. However, it’s important not to take Mylanta within two hours of taking other medications, as it can affect the absorption rate.

Remember to read the labels of over-the-counter products before taking them. If you’re unsure whether a medication is safe during pregnancy, consult with your doctor first.

Home Remedies That Provide Fast Relief

While over-the-counter options may provide relief, there are also plenty of safe home remedies that can help ease heartburn symptoms. Here are a few to try:

• Drink ginger tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce reflux symptoms. Sipping on a cup of ginger tea can help ease heartburn.
• Eat a slice of apple: Apples contain natural antacids that can help neutralize acid in the stomach. Try eating a slice of apple when you’re experiencing discomfort.
• Try baking soda and water: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a glass of water and slowly sip on it. Baking soda is alkaline, which can help neutralize stomach acid.
• Chew almonds: Almonds have a high pH level, making them a natural heartburn remedy. Chewing a few almonds when you’re experiencing discomfort can help ease symptoms.
• Sip on water with lemon: While acidic foods can trigger heartburn, lemon actually has an alkalizing effect on the body. Sipping on warm water with a squeeze of lemon can help ease symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Heartburn from Occurring

While it’s not always possible to prevent heartburn entirely during pregnancy, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help minimize your symptoms:

• Eat more slowly and mindfully: Eating too fast or not chewing your food properly can cause you to swallow air, which can lead to heartburn. Try taking your time with meals and enjoying every bite.
• Avoid food items high in fat and sugar: Fatty and sugary foods can also trigger heartburn. Opt for foods that are high in fiber and protein instead.
• Reduce caffeine intake: Caffeinated beverages can loosen the muscle that connects your stomach and esophagus, leading to reflux. Try to limit your caffeine intake or switch to decaf alternatives.
• Don’t eat too close to bedtime: Eating too close to bedtime can cause acid reflux since you’ll be lying down before your food has had a chance to digest fully. Try to finish eating at least two hours before lying down.
• Practice stress reduction techniques: Stress can also be a trigger for heartburn. Try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage your stress levels.

Conclusion

Heartburn is a common symptom experienced by many women during pregnancy. While it can be uncomfortable, there are plenty of ways to get fast relief. From over-the-counter remedies to safe home remedies, and lifestyle changes, there are many options available to help manage this frustrating symptom. Experiment with our suggested tips, and be sure to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. Remember, small changes can make a big difference when it comes to heartburn relief.