11 Ways to Overcome Heartburns

Heartburns and indigestion are common during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. These are quite normal. Usually a change in your diet eases this problem. However if you find yourself susceptible to frequent indigestion and heartburns, contact your doctor immediately. She may check you for intolerance to a particular food or gall bladder problems. Avoid taking any over the counter drugs without consulting your doctor.

Causes

Hormonal levels in your body increase during pregnancy. The increase in hormones results in relaxing the normally closed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is relaxed, food and stomach acids move into your esophagus and throat. This gives you the sensation of heartburn.

Another reason for heartburn is the increased pressure on your stomach as your uterus expands with your growing baby. At times, this forces the contents of the stomach through the LES into your esophagus.

Symptoms

Some key symptoms of heartburns are the following:

• A burning feeling in the throat and chest
• A funny taste in the mouth that is usually sour or bitter
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Repeated bouts of coughing or chronic coughs
• Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms

Prevention

Some ways to prevent heartburns are:

• Maintain a healthy balanced diet.
• Eat food rich in fibre. This passes through the digestive system easily.
• Do not eat heavy meals.Eat small, frequent meals.
• Drink plenty of water to cool your digestive system.
• Eat your meals slowly and chew them thoroughly.
• Go for a walk after dinner. Walking is a natural way to aid digestion.
• Avoid or minimise foods that make you feel ill.
• Raise your head to a higher level than your body while sleeping.
• Do not wear clothes that fit tightly and increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.
• Maintain the weight gain limits recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid tea/coffee/spicy foods/carbonated drinks/alcohol and smoking.

Treatment

Some ways to overcome heartburns if you suffer from them are:

• Eat a number of small meals instead of a single large meal. This decreases the pressure on the digestive system and prevents the lowering of blood sugar levels.
• Do not include spicy or oily foods in your diet. Also, avoid heartburn triggers such as chocolate, vinegar, tomato and tomato based products, coffee and tea.
• Increase the intake of water and other clear liquids in your diet.
• Take a cup of yogurt as often as you can to beat the heat in your digestive system.
• Drinking a glass of milk mixed with honey after your meals can reduce heartburns.
• Wait for a couple of hours before you go to bed after eating.
• Use a support such as a pillow to keep your head at a level higher than the body while lying down.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Chewing gums may help to neutralise stomach acids and minimise heartburn.
• Sit straight without a stoop.