Heartburn in Pregnant Women - By: Jammie Beauford

Heartburn is a very annoying yet manageable condition that may affect pregnant women. It is mainly caused by the pressure exerted on the stomach by the developing fetus. It is usually experienced within the second and third trimester when the fetus begins to grow rapidly. As a result of this growth, the large and small intestines are pushed upward and consequently they exert a lot of pressure on the stomach making it smaller in size.

In most cases, just before the heartburn kicks in, the expecting mother will eat the same quantity of food as she used to before the pregnancy. Unknowingly so, she begins a chain reaction that eventually leads to this uncomfortable condition. The food consumed becomes too much for the already compressed stomach. The pressure inside the stomach increases while that of the lower esophageal sphincter decreases allowing for refluxes of acidic food contents back into the esophagus.

The stomach wall has a protective mucus lining that protects it from the effects of the concentrated acid. Unfortunately, the esophagus lacks this lining and therefore is severely damaged by continuous corrosion by the acid. The consequent burning sensation and pain in the throat causes immense discomfort to the pregnant mother.

There are ways to prevent and reduce heartburn in pregnant women. Here are a few of them that if followed closely are bound to make your three trimesters blissful.

Once you discover that you are pregnant, visit a specialist and find out what is expected of you. This is especially for first time mothers. Apart from the usual do not wear high heeled shoes, do not over exert yourself and the like; the doctor will also give you some dietary advice to help you along this journey.
Gradually reduce your food intake as the pregnancy develops. This is because the amount of food your stomach can handle during this period reduces as the child grows. Eat small but frequent well balanced meals with low fat foods and mild drinks. Keep away from foods that are likely to cause heartburn like acid based drinks and citrus fruits.

Find all ways and means to keep harmful cravings at bay. Chocolate, spearmint and peppermint treats loosen the lower esophageal sphincter increasing the probability of acid backflow.

The doctor might also advice that you wear loose clothing. Loose clothes are beneficial to you and your baby in the sense that when your baby is uncomfortable so are you. Tight clothing also increases the pressure on your already stressed stomach thus increasing the amount of heartburn you may experience.

The level of fatigue increases as time goes by and so does the temptation to take a nice relaxing nap after a good meal. However, it is not advisable to rest your body in a horizontal position immediately after meals. Lying down exerts pressure on the LES causing it to open and release refluxes of acid back up the throat. Finally it is important to carry a few anti acid tablets or acid blockers. That said, it is important to consult your doctor before you take any kind of medication during pregnancy.

About the Author

Pregnant women must be cushioned against all sorts of ailments. Heartburn is one of those conditions that need to handled with caution especially in pregnant women.

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