Heartburn and bloating are common issues faced by many pregnant women, especially in the first few months. This is due to the hormonal and physical changes that constantly occur in the body during pregnancy, which can cause a lot of pressure. To help you deal with these discomforts, here’s a report detailing 17 steps to manage heartburn and bloating during pregnancy, along with an overview of their causes, symptoms, foods that cause them, and what you should avoid, according to Healthline.
Causes of Heartburn and Bloating During Pregnancy
Hormonal Changes: The increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy cause the valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, preventing it from effectively blocking stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. This results in irritation of the esophageal lining.
Slower Digestion: Progesterone also slows down the digestion process, meaning the stomach holds onto food for longer. Additionally, the growing uterus, especially in the third trimester, adds pressure on the intestines and stomach. This causes food to move upward from the stomach to the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
Changes in Stomach Size: The increasing size of the uterus puts more pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux and lead to heartburn. Women who experienced heartburn before pregnancy may find that the symptoms worsen during pregnancy.
Dietary Triggers: Eating spicy, fatty foods, or large quantities of food can exacerbate heartburn. Additionally, stomach ulcers, colon inflammation, gallbladder issues, eating too much, or lying down immediately after eating can contribute to acid reflux.
When Should a Pregnant Woman See a Doctor?
In some cases, a pregnant woman may need to consult a doctor, especially if heartburn is accompanied by:
Unexplained weight loss
Continuous vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Severe chest pain or blood in saliva
Dark-colored stools, which could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding
If heartburn persists despite taking medication or using remedies like honey, this may signal a more serious pregnancy complication, such as preeclampsia. Be especially cautious if accompanied by severe headaches, blurred vision, sudden swelling in the hands, feet, or face.
Foods That Help Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy
Vegetables: Especially cucumbers, as they are a natural soothing agent for the stomach.
Dairy products: While beneficial for most, avoid if you're experiencing gallbladder issues.
Honey: Known for coating the stomach lining and alleviating discomfort.
Fruits: Apples, bananas, pomegranates, and avocados can soothe the stomach.
Herbal teas: Such as aniseed and caraway.
Safe antacids: Consult your doctor for antacids that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Foods to Avoid:
To prevent or alleviate heartburn, try to avoid:
Spicy foods
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and pineapples
Soda and caffeine
High-fat foods
Chocolate
Safe Ways to Treat Heartburn and Bloating During Pregnancy
Antacids: These can help coat the stomach and esophagus. They are available in chewable tablets or liquid form. However, they should only be used after consulting a doctor, as some contain sodium, which can cause fluid retention.
Avoid Antacids with Iron Supplements: Some antacids contain aluminum, which may not be safe during pregnancy, so avoid taking them alongside iron supplements.
Tips for Managing Heartburn During Pregnancy
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, opt for smaller, lighter meals spread throughout the day and chew food well.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Raise the upper part of the bed to help keep stomach acids down and prevent them from flowing back into the esophagus.
Sit Upright While Eating and After Meals: This prevents acid reflux.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the upward flow of stomach acid, causing heartburn, and negatively affects both the mother and baby.
Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can put pressure on the stomach, which can trigger heartburn.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the stomach and lead to acid reflux.
Manage Stress: Reduce stress through light exercise or relaxation techniques, as stress can worsen heartburn.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum for about 30 minutes after meals increases saliva production, which helps neutralize excess acid in the esophagus.
Eat Almonds: Almonds can neutralize stomach juices and may help reduce or prevent heartburn.
Try Almond Milk: A small glass of almond milk after meals can provide relief and is a good source of calcium.
Warm Milk with Honey: Many women find comfort in warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of honey.
Papaya: Fresh, dried, or freeze-dried papaya may help some women relieve heartburn, while also providing vitamins A and C.
Avoid Trigger Foods: If certain foods cause heartburn or digestive discomfort, remove them from your diet.
Avoid Large Amounts of Liquids with Meals: Drinking too much while eating can cause bloating, so try to limit fluids during meals.
Unfortunately, heartburn is a symptom that many women experience throughout their entire pregnancy. Even if you overcome indigestion early on, you might experience a resurgence in the second or third trimester due to increasing hormonal changes and the growing size of the baby.
This guide offers both preventative measures and remedies for heartburn and bloating during pregnancy, helping you manage these common discomforts more effectively.
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