Heartburn and acid reflux are commonly heard words in conversations between pregnant women. Acid reflux rears its ugly head especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when the pressure of the expanding uterus presses on the stomach. Heartburn can occur due to the fluctuating hormones of pregnancy too. The hormones relax the muscles of the digestive tract including the esophageal sphincter. When this muscle is relaxed stomach acid can splash back into the esophagus. Coping with the discomforts of pregnancy including acid reflux is all about learning preventative measures and then how to bring effective relief if prevention fails.

Prevention Tips:

Try eating more frequent smaller meals throughout the day instead of the normal sized normal meals. While you are eating, consciously try to eat slower. When selecting menu items, stay away from anything that is fried during preparation, or foods that are rich or spicy.

When it comes to drinking, do your best to avoid drinking beverages while eating. While pregnant there is only so much room in the stomach. Drinking large amounts of fluid while eating may increase the occurrence of acid reflux.

Acid reflux can occur if you eat a big meal and then directly lie down, especially if you should lie down on your back so to avoid the acid reflux, don’t lie down after eating.

It is important not to lie flat after eating, so instead, raise the head of your bed so it is higher than the foot of your bed. Make sure you make a point of finish eating at least 3 hours before you go to sleep.

While pregnant it is always important to let your doctor know about any medication you are planning on taking including over-the-counter medications for heartburn or acid reflux.

Tight fitting clothing can aggravate acid reflux so opt for loose fitting clothing instead.

What to do if acid reflux strikes:

If despite trying to avoid it, acid reflux still strikes, pregnant women can ask about taking TUMS. Your doctor can tell you if it is safe to take and how much to take. You can also walk around for a little bit and drink a little bit of water to help the acid flush back down. Remember that after the baby is born the acid reflux should disappear.

Avoid foods that may stimulate the acid reflux such as acidic foods, fatty foods, fried foods, fruits, juices, or tomatoes. There are plenty of liquids and foods where caffeine can be hiding such as chocolate and sodas. Caffeine can aggravate acid reflux.

There are many things that pregnant women need to learn while pregnant especially things that have to do with the ever changing body. These bodily changes are responsible for many of the discomforts of pregnancy including acid reflux. Fortunately these discomforts disappear when the expected bundle of joy is placed in your arms. Until that time coping with acid reflux during pregnancy is something that the pregnant woman has to learn to deal with by becoming educated about the causes of acid reflex, how to prevent acid reflux from happening and what ways are safe to use if you become uncomfortable with acid reflux during pregnancy.

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