Many assume that the acidity is just another of the many symptoms of pregnancy, but in fact there is a scientific reason for the increase of acid reflux. The placenta produces progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the uterus. This hormone acts as a muscle relaxant to other parts of the body, including the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Since it is more relaxed than usual, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation.
Here are some tips that can help keep your acid reflux under control:
• Avoid caffeine, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, fried and fatty foods, as it will increase heartburn.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of a few large meals.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.
• Drink water between meals rather than during.
• Chew gum after every meal. The saliva produced by chewing helps to neutralize the acid.
• Sleep with your upper body slightly raised to keep the stomach acids, making it harder to go back up.
• Wear loose clothing, especially around your waist and stomach.
• Try to gain weight between the recommended 25 to 30 pounds. Too much or too little can have an effect on heartburn.
• Ask your doctor for a good antacid. You may want to start with something like Tums and then move on to something more serious if that fails, as Prevacid. (You can buy generic Prevacid online at discounted rates).
• Do not smoke. It is always good advice, especially for a pregnant woman!
• Eat at least three hours before bedtime. If you eat too close to bedtime, your body will be forced to try to digestion while lying down, which can cause heartburn.
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