How Do You Reduce Heartburn (Acid Reflux) During Pregnancy?
Heartburn or acid reflux is a burning sensation that normally starts in the stomach and rises through the esophagus. Many women experience serious and painful heartburn during their pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Read below for tips on how to reduce heartburn during pregnancy. Watch your diet and reduce your consumption of fatty, spicy and acidic foods. Also consider keeping a food journal to help pin point the cause of your heartburn. Help neutralize stomach acid by eating alkaline foods such as milk and yogurt. Eat smaller, more frequent meal and do not eat within a couple hours of bedtime. Sleep with your head slightly elevated. This will keep the stomach acids from building up in your esophagus. Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase stomach acidity and lead to a host of other health problems. Consider an over the counter medication such as Tums or Pepto-Bismol. If all else fails contact your physician for a prescription medication such as Prilosec or Zantac.
