Can changes in diet stop pregnancy heartburn?
Can changes in diet stop pregnancy heartburn?Answer: Many women, even if they have never experienced it before, will suffer from heartburn while pregnant. Increased levels of hormones in your body while pregnant can soften the ligaments that normally keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tightly closed. If the LES relaxes at inappropriate times, food and stomach acids can reflux back up into your esophagus and throat. In addition, more pressure is put on your stomach as your body changes and your baby grows, which can force stomach contents through the LES and into your esophagus. There are ways to reduce your chances of experiencing heartburn while pregnant, and modifying your diet is one of them. • Don’t eat foods that are known heartburn triggers. These include chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard, vinegar, mint products, and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, and fatty foods.