Pregnancy Acid Reflux Tips to Cure the Burn

According To- Pregnancy Acid Reflux? Tips to Cure the Burn , If you’re experiencing “the burn” in your chest (AKA heartburn) during pregnancy, your baby will have a full head of hair when he or she is born. This is just a myth, so add it to the list of many “old wives’ tales” you’ll probably hear during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Acid

During pregnancy, heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms, occurring in 17% to 45% of pregnant women.

There are a few things you can do to relieve and prevent heartburn during pregnancy. Continue reading to learn about heartburn during pregnancy and ways to soothe it.

Heartburn: what is it?

In spite of its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. However, it can result in a burning sensation in your chest, a sore throat, coughing, and a sour/bitter taste in your mouth.

Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach contents travel back up into your esophagus (food pipe), causing a burning sensation in the lower chest. If this occurs regularly, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn during pregnancy: when does it start and why does it occur?

If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, it can get worse as your pregnancy progresses. After your baby is born, it usually improves or disappears.

Several reasons account for this, according to Susan Bush, a certified nurse-midwife with Banner Health:

Hormonal changes

You have a growing baby

Digestion is slowed

In addition to softening ligaments and joints, pregnancy hormones (particularly progesterone) also relax the esophageal sphincter (the flap between your stomach and esophagus), Bush said. As a result, stomach acid can enter your esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

As your body changes shape and your baby grows, your uterus will push up against your stomach. “This increasing pressure or “squishing” on your stomach is one of the reasons why heartburn worsens for some pregnant women in their third trimester,” Bush said.

Additionally, during pregnancy, your digestive tract slows down to allow nutrients to be absorbed by the baby more readily. This can cause gas, bloating, nausea, and heartburn, among other things. Read also- Seven ways social media platforms can affect your wellbeingness

What is the treatment for heartburn during pregnancy?

  • If you are experiencing uncomfortable heartburn, consult your health care provider first to see if lifestyle changes and home remedies will help relieve your symptoms.
  • For pregnant women suffering from heartburn, Bush offered the following tips:
  • Check out “What Foods to Eat and Avoid During Pregnancy” for ideas and tips.
  • Prevent your stomach from getting too full by drinking liquids before and after eating.
  • Drink milk with honey or eat yogurt to neutralize acid that causes heartburn.
  • Citrus, greasy (fried food), high-acid foods, and spicy foods should be avoided. Limit fatty foods.
  • There are also papaya enzyme tablets available over the counter that contain digestive enzymes found in papaya.
  • It can be helpful to sleep with your head elevated over your chest to control flare-ups and provide pregnancy heartburn relief.
  • Increase saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum after meals.
  • Keep your caffeine intake under 200 milligrams (about 12 ounces of coffee).
  • Is it safe to take heartburn medications during pregnancy?
  • If the natural methods above don’t work, you might need medication for further relief. However, medication during pregnancy must be taken very carefully.
  • Antacids available over-the-counter
  • Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any of the following over-the-counter medications (antacids) during pregnancy:
  • Calcium carbonate (Tums)
  • Ilanta
  • A Rolaid
  • MACROX
  • Aspirin-containing antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, or sodium bicarbonate, should be avoided.
  • According to Bush, these neutralize acid already present in the stomach. They will put out the fire immediately, but not for the long run.

Blockers of H2

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), H2 receptor blockers, also known as H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), are safe for short-term use during pregnancy. H2 blockers have minimal side effects, but they can interact with other medications, so it’s important to discuss their use with your doctor before taking them. Your health care provider can prescribe a specific H2 receptor or suggest an over-the-counter option.

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors)

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) may be recommended as a long-term solution to acid reflux because they lower stomach acid production. These medications (e.g., Prevacid and Prilosec) are safe in pregnancy and are available either as a prescription or over the counter.

As a general rule, I suggest patients continue taking this type of medication on a daily basis, once or twice daily, because if they stop taking it, they may experience rebound reflux.

The takeaway

Get some relief from heartburn during pregnancy.

If you don’t get relief from heartburn, your health care provider can help guide you regarding treatment options.

You should contact your provider if you notice additional symptoms, such as headaches or swelling of your face, hands and feet, or if you experience problems, such as weight loss.

Are you experiencing heartburn or acid reflux during pregnancy?

Make an appointment with an OBGYN.

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