Coping with Heartburn (Acidity) in Pregnancy

Acidity or heartburn is another source of discomfort for some pregnant women. It can make you feel uneasy with a burning sensation in your chest, or make you nauseous if it is really severe. Pregnant women may get heartburn because the stomach muscles relax and food tends to back up. Sometimes, the stomach makes more acid during pregnancy. The growing baby, pressing against the stomach, can force acid upward causing heartburn.

You might feel the urge to rely on antacids when what you actually need is plenty of water, a good nutritious diet and a relaxed mind, free from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Get plenty of fresh air, exercise and a stress free environment. Work on soothing your body and mind for this is the best medication you can prescribe yourself.

Prevention/Remedies

Greasy, fried, or highly seasoned foods may produce heartburn. Determine which foods give you heartburn, and avoid them.

Eat several small meals a day, rather than three large meals.

Eat your evening meal at least an hour or two before you go to bed. Try ans stay upright after you have eaten, take a small walk or prop yourself up with pillows for a while. This prevents the reversal of food from the stomach with additional digestive acids that result in heartburn.

Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, red peppers and chocolate, as they can cause heartburn. Stay on non-acidic fruits like melons,bananas,chickoos etc.

A leisurely walk reduces heartburn for some women; for others, sitting quietly and breathing deeply is helpful.

To help coat your stomach and esophagus, try sipping water, milk, carbonated water or papaya juice. You can also try 1/2 tablespoon or yogurt, heavy cream, half and half or a small dish of plain ice cream.

Have 3 to 4 glasses of buttermilk everyday if you can handle as it is God's nectar for acidity.

Drink more water (at least 6 to 8 glasses in a day) and increase your intake of fruit juices, soups and milk shakes. Consume at least 2 litres of fluid everyday. Supplement your fluid intake with guava drink.

Products such as baking soda or Rolaids are high in salt and should not be taken. Heartburn medications that contain aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer) should NEVER be taken during pregnancy.