How to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

Although acidity tends to be mild and intermittent throughout these months, it can become somewhat of a problem.

This burning sensation in the stomach is the result of a combination of hormones and the pressure that babies place on internal organs. In most cases, pregnancy heartburn goes away after mothers give birth.

For many women, pregnancy marks the first time in their lives that they experience heartburn. While it’s common and, in most cases, inoffensive, heartburn can be quite uncomfortable for future moms.

Heartburn during pregnancy and related symptoms like gas and bloating usually begin during the second trimester. However, these issues can appear earlier for some women.

Keep reading to discover tips to help relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

How to relieve heartburn during pregnancy

Fortunately, there are several measures that you can take to help get rid of acidity while you’re pregnant. Women who suffer from this issue can rest comfortably as they count down the months by making slight modifications in their diet and lifestyle.

Here are some tips to help relive heartburn during pregnancy:

1. Eat smaller portions but more frequently

The first recommendations that specialists give to pregnant women to reduce heartburn is to eat small portions throughout the day. 

At the same time, their last meal of the day should be at least 3 hours before going to bed. Future mothers who are pregnant and experiencing heartburn should never go to bed right after eating.

2. Limit your intake of liquids at night

Try not to drink large quantities of liquid after your last meal of the day. Keep in mind that, the emptier your stomach is when you go to bed, the less chances you’ll have of acid reflux.

3. Chew gum

Chewing can be beneficial when dealing with stomach acid. Gum stimulates the production of saliva, which contains bicarbonate. This neutralizes the acid that accumulates in the esophagus.

4. Avoid certain foods

Women who are prone to heartburn during pregnancy should avoid foods that exacerbate the problem. Among the foods to avoid are coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, greasy or fried foods, citrus fruits and juices, spicy foods, tomato, mint, etc.

5. Apply aloe vera gel

You can obtain this natural healing agent from the plant leaves or by simply buying aloe vera gel. Apply the gel to the skin on your chest, throat or abdomen. Aloe vera successfully reduces stomach acidity and the symptoms of acid reflux.

“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and undoubtedly inhabited”
—Anne Buchanan and Debra Klingsporn—

6. Don’t smoke

Women who are pregnant should never smoke. Besides harming the fetus, smoking also weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and makes acid reflux worse.

7. Drink milk or eat yogurt

A serving of yogurt or a glass of milk can both relieve stomach acid. Keep in mind that cow’s milk may offer immediate relief. However, some say that, over time, stomach acidity can get worse with dairy. 

Therefore, try drinking goat’s milk or a plant-based milk option such as almond milk or rice milk. Heating milk and adding a bit of honey can calm burning in the chest as well.

8. Coconut water

Coconut water acts like a great neutralizer of natural acid. This nutritious drink is easy to find and can relieve the symptoms of stomach acid during pregnancy.

9. Sleep on your left side during the night

This simple action can diminish the occurrence of acid reflux. This position makes it more difficult for stomach acid to reach the esophagus. Occasionally, you may need to sleep in a reclining chair at a 45 degree angle – or even higher.

10. Try acupuncture

Acupuncture  is a safe practice to undergo during pregnancy and has been used to help relieve stomach acid for thousands of years. 

This relaxing treatment helps to reduce heartburn, adjusts esophageal pressure, and diminishes gastric acid. It also balances the functioning of the digestive organs.

To summarize, to relieve heartburn during pregnancy, it’s important to modify some daily habits. Putting the above tips into practice will help you feel better and reduce the discomfort related to stomach acid.