Heartburn - How To Handle It While You Are Pregnant?

Heartburn is not an uncommon problem during pregnancy. More than 50% of women get a heartburn during pregnancy. This is especially common for women who are in the third or second trimesters of the pregnancy. It is also highly likely that you may harm your baby if you try to cure your heartburn through unsafe methods.

Causes of heart burn during Pregnancy are pregnancy hormone progesterone, big baby and twin pregnancy but most dangerous being early symptom of preeclampsia. Very rarely gall bladder stones.

These are some methods by which you can reduce your chances of heartburn without harming your baby:

1. Do not eat too much at once: This is crucial and severely reduces your chances of getting heartburn during pregnancy. Eat in small portions.
2. Avoid spicy foods: Spicy foods tend to relax one of the muscles in your digestive tract known as the lower esophageal sphincter. The relaxation of this muscle increases your chances of getting a heartburn. Fried or oily foods do the same thing.
3. Drink less when you are eating: It has been proven that drinking while eating causes acid reflux very often. Heartburn itself is usually caused by an acid reflux from the stomach.
4. When you lie down, keep your head at a higher level: Don't lie down immediately after food as this increases the chances of heart burn. If you have increased blood pressure be careful to inform your doctor. Heartburn is when the food comes back out of your esophagus due to an acid reflux. Use pillows and put your head at a higher level when you rest. This will prevent heartburn.
5. Over-the-counter medications: Only take over-the-counter medications prescribed by your doctor.