Life style Remedies to Treat Heartburn during Pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy is not difficult to treat but the fact is that doctors generally do not like to recommend medications as first choice treatment. The reason for this is that some medications can affect the fetus. Even though most anti ulcer medications are safe, the majority have never been tested in pregnant women and great caution should be exercised before one takes any medication during pregnancy. To find effective relief from heartburn during pregnancy, most physicians recommend making changes in life style to help decrease the symptoms. One can obtain relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making the following life style changes:

Try to maintain a healthy weight. The more weight you put on during pregnancy, the greater is the pressure on the stomach. This causes more acid to push up into the esophagus and cause heartburn. However, before you start to lose weight during pregnancy, speak to your doctor. In some cases, weight loss may not be a practical idea as the mother may be too thin or the baby may be too large. Weight loss during pregnancy is also difficult but you should speak to your obstetrician to help you with a diet that prevents excess weight gain.

Another way to avoid heartburn is to avoid wearing tight fitting clothes. Anything that is tight or restrictive near the waist can lead to heartburn. Pregnancy was never meant to make anyone look slim, so wear something comfortable rather than tight.

It is important to avoid foods that trigger heartburn. Each individual has a specific food that triggers heartburn. Some of the common foods that initiate heartburn include alcohol, citrus foods, tomato sauce, spices or meat products. Avoiding foods will ease the symptoms of heartburn significantly. Moreover, avoid eating large meals in one setting. Rather, eat several small meals that generally tend to initiate less acid release in the stomach.

After you have eaten, do not immediately lie down. Stay upright for at least the next 1-2 hours so that the food has passed the stomach and the acidity has reduced. Moreover, avoid eating late at night. The last meal should preferably be eaten at least a few hours before bedtime.

If the heartburn is severe during the night, sleep with the head of bed elevated. One does not need to buy a brand new bed, because there are many wedges available that can be inserted below the mattress to elevate the head of the bed.

Finally, it is vital that you stop smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages. These two social habits are among the most common causes of heartburn.