Exploring Health Concerns and Treatments

One problem common with pregnancy is heartburn. While most women do not encounter heartburn until the second half of pregnancy, it can occur at any time. It occurs because the valve connecting the esophagus from the stomach relaxes, and this allows acids from the stomach to come back up. There is nothing you can do to stop this completely, but there are ways to relieve and reduce the pain caused by heartburn. Before trying any method, make sure you talk to a gynecologist or midwife to make sure it is safe for you.

Know What To Avoid

The first step in finding comfort for pregnancy heartburn is learning the common triggers for it. If you can avoid these things, you might naturally be able to reduce the symptoms you are experiencing:

• Eating large meals – When you eat a lot at one time, it is harder for your body to digest the food. Because of this, the acids are more likely to creep up into your esophagus.
• Eating spicy and acidic foods – When you eat spicy or acidic foods, you are asking for trouble. These foods lead to irritation in the digestive system, and the extra spices and acids lead directly to heartburn.
• Drinking too much while you eat – When you consume too much water while eating, it dilutes the natural digestive juices. This makes it harder for your body to break down the foods you are eating.
• Lying on your back – Lying down on your back often leads to worsened symptoms of heartburn, especially right after eating. If possible, prop your head up or try sitting up instead of laying down.

Avoiding these things can play a role in the symptoms you are experiencing, but there are other steps you can take if you still end up with heartburn.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural ingredient, and it is used for many different things. Apple cider vinegar does not taste great, especially if you drink it straight, but it can offer relief. If you mix one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water, it may be easier to drink. You can drink it all at once, or you can sip on it until it is gone.

The benefit of this is that apple cider vinegar reduces the acids in your stomach. When the acid levels are lower, you have a lower chance of developing heartburn.

Eat Peppermint

Another option you could try is peppermint; however, you should not use peppermint essential oil. Essential oil can be too strong, especially during pregnancy, but there are other options. You could consume peppermint tea, if you like drinking tea. Sucking on peppermint candies is another option.

Peppermint helps because of the way it aids in the digestive process. It keeps the digestive system running smoother, and it helps the stomach process foods quicker.

Consume Dairy Products

Yogurt and milk are two great dairy products to consume during pregnancy, and both of these may help reduce your heartburn pain. You can drink a glass of warm or cold milk when you feel the heartburn coming on, or you could eat a container of yogurt. Adding a spoonful of honey is another option you could also try.

Both ingredients can help neutralize the stomach acids, which will help reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.

Heartburn is extremely common during pregnancy, but you do not have to live with the effects of it. You can try these options, and if you would like to learn more, make an appointment with a doctor or midwife today.