One of the most common complaints of pregnancy is heartburn. There are many ways to help prevent heartburn through diet. Unfortunately, not all (or possibly any) of these tips will work for everyone.
Mealtimes: The trick is to keep your stomach from becoming too full; to prevent stomach contents from pushing against the esophageal sphincter. This can be accomplished in a few ways:
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
- Drink fluids between meals, not with.
- Chew your food well and eat slowly.
After Mealtimes: Try to stay upright instead of lying down. When bedtime comes, lay propped up on pillows.
Foods: Avoid foods that cause problems for you. This can be hard to determine; just use trial and error. Foods high in fat can cause problems. Fat can slow down stomach emptying and therefore it may be more likely stomach contents will find their way back up.
Drinking milk may help relieve your heartburn. Calcium lowers the acidity of your stomach contents. This is the same way antacids work. These are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is always best to discuss taking anything for heartburn with your care provider.
Clothing: Wearing loose fitting clothing, especially around your stomach, may help ease pressure.
Stress can also play a role in heartburn. It is always a good idea during pregnancy to practice self-care, especially if you have toddlers running around.