Dealing with Heartburn During Pregnancy

Pregnant women experience several discomforts during pregnancy, one of which is heartburn.  Heartburn is a fiery, burning sensation that is felt in the chest or behind the breastbone.  It might be helpful to know that the term 'heartburn' is a partial misnomer because the condition has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn results from a reflex, or regurgitation of acid stomach juices into your esophagus.

Heartburn is a common discomfort or pain that you may experience during pregnancy. It is a type of indigestion that is frequently accompanied by the appearance of bitter, sour fluid in the mouth. Heartburn happens when your enlarged uterus causes the upward displacement and compression of your stomach. During pregnancy the hormone progesterone slows down the muscular contractions of digestion.

You can reduce the occurrence of heartburn during your pregnancy by changing your diet. Do away with rich, greasy food, such as cream and mayonnaise. Avoid large meals before bedtime, as well as heavy foods or foods that are not easily digested.

You can also try these helpful dietary measures:

• Taking smaller and less hurried meals
• Chewing your food thoroughly and slowly
• Drinking fluids between meals, rather than with meals
• Avoiding very cold foods, spicy foods or other foods that cause heartburn
• Drinking skim or cultured milk
• Eating low-fat ice cream
• Chewing gum after meals

It is also helpful for you to maintain good posture and to avoid lying down after meals.

In case the above self-help measures wouldn’t work, you may want to take over-the-counter antacids.  Just remember not to take antacids with your iron supplement as the antacid interferes with iron absorption.

Dealing with heartburn during pregnancy is easy and doable.  You do not need to take medication at the onset.  Heartburn can be controlled if you simply adhere to a modified diet.

If heartburn is persistent and severe, consult your physician.