Pregnancy makes the weirdest things happen to a woman’s body. God only knows that the swelling is a sheer nightmare. But probably one of the strangest things to deal with is pregnancy-related heartburn.
Many women have never had heartburn until their first pregnancy, and some don’t even know that the acid taste and burning in their throat is heartburn. Fortunately, there are three simple steps that can help you fight off the horrible sensation:
Stack up pillows. A common solution for nighttime heartburn for centuries has been to keep the head elevated above the stomach. Because heartburn is caused by a weakened sphincter at the top of the stomach, raising the head prevents stomach acid from creeping into the esophagus while you’re sleeping. Prop yourself up with a small stack of pillows before you doze off.
Drink water. There are a million reasons to stay hydrated while you’re pregnant that some of our bloggers have gone to great lengths to describe. Preventing heartburn is just one of them. Cool water dilutes the acid in your stomach and eases the burn. Remaining properly hydrated by drinking water or eating lots of fruits and veggies, keeps you from overindulging in foods that aren’t good for you, your baby, or your tummy.
Watch what you eat. You’re probably already on a diet, but are you tucking in when it’s time to eat? SLOW DOWN! Take small bites, chew, swallow, and set your utensil down. By slowing down your bites, you force yourself to become more conscious of how full you are. If you stop when you aren’t hungry anymore but before you’re stuffed to the rafters, then your body will be less likely to overproduce the acid that causes heartburn.
While these are some great ways to prevent heartburn, there is no substitute for talking with your doctor. If you are consistently uncomfortable, consult your physician to discuss your diet and exercise regimen as well as possible solutions to your problem.
