Q: Recently I have actually felt a burning sensation in my chest after eating. Is it heartburn?
A: More than likely. Many women experience heartburn for the very first time during pregnancy– and though it’s typical and usually harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable.
Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn (likewise called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. It’s caused by some of the hormone and physical changes in your body.
During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. This hormone also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, enabling stomach acids to permeate back up, which causes that unpleasant burning sensation.
Progesterone also slows down the wavelike contractions of your esophagus and intestines, making food digestion sluggish. Later in pregnancy, your growing baby crowds your abdominal cavity, pressing the stomach acids back up into the esophagus.
How Long Does Heartburn Last?
Numerous women start experiencing heartburn and other intestinal pains in the second half of pregnancy. Regrettably, it typically comes and goes till your baby is born.
How To Relief Pregnancy Acid Reflux (Heartburn)?
Though you may not be able to remove heartburn completely, you can take actions to decrease your discomfort:
- Avoid food and beverages that cause you gastrointestinal distress. The typical suspects are soft drinks; alcohol (which you need to quit anyway); caffeine; chocolate; acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar; processed meats; mint products; and spicy, extremely skilled, fried, or fatty foods, according to iytmed.com.
- Do not eat big meals. Rather, eat numerous small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew completely.
- Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids during meals– you don’t wish to distend your stomach. (It’s crucial to drink a lot of water daily during pregnancy, but sip it in between meals.)
- Try chewing gum after eating. Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help reduce the effects of acid.
- Do not eat close to bedtime. Give yourself two to three hours to digest prior to you rest.
- Sleep propped up with numerous pillows or a wedge. Elevating your upper body will help keep your stomach acids where they belong and will help your digestion.
- Gain a healthy quantity of weight, and stay within the guidelines your healthcare provider recommends.
- Use loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid any tightness around your waist and stomach.
- Bend at the knees rather of at the waist.
- Don’t smoke. In addition to contributing to a host of serious illness, smoking increases stomach acidity. (Ideally, quit smoking!)
- An over the counter antacid which contains magnesium or calcium might ease discomfort, but talk to your prenatal caretaker prior to taking one, because some brands include aluminum or & aspirin or are high in sodium.
If these steps do not help, talk to your caregiver about prescription acid reflux medications that are safe during pregnancy.