Avoiding Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Acid reflux and symptoms of heartburn can be pretty common in women when they are pregnant. There are various causes as to why this occurs. However steps can be taken to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy
One of the reason’s behind the appearance of acid reflux and heartburn in pregnant women is due to hormonal changes that take place. Ligaments which keep the LES functioning properly tend to soften during pregnancy. This forces acid from your stomach to escape into the esophagus.
Another reason as to why heartburn and reflux is more common when a woman is pregnant is due to the growth of the baby. As the baby grows over a period of months, more pressure is placed on the woman’s stomach. This pressure squeezes the stomach, which allows the contents of the stomach to be pushed into the LES, and then into the esophagus.
It may seem that a woman who is pregnant has to suffer from acid reflux. However measures can be taken that can lessen the symptoms and even avoid acid reflux during pregnancy.
Particular foods can trigger heartburn. By curbing these foods or cutting them out completely a woman can substantially reduce the risks of severe reflux. The risks of acid reflux are increased by the consumption of foods which are high in fat, have been fried, and foods that are spicy.
The size of the meals that are consumed can accelerate heartburn. In most cases heartburn happens after consuming a substantial meal. The larger the meal that is eaten, the higher the levels of acid the stomach will produce to break the food down. Eating 4-6 smaller meals each day instead of eating 3 large meals a day is far more beneficial and more comfortable for your stomach.
Try not to eat a few hours before turniing in for the night. Otherwise the stomach will continue to hold acid as you sleep. Because you may be in a horizontal position while you sleep, it is easier for the acid to spill into the esophagus. Also try to make sure that your shoulders and head are in an elevated position as you sleep. This stops the acid from travelling up the throat and into the mouth.
The more pressure that your stomach comes under during pregnancy the higher the risks of acid reflux symptoms. Avoid wearing clothes that squeeze your waist area. Always focus on keeping a good posture. Make sure that the knees are always bent when reaching to the floor.
Nobody likes to suffer from the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. It is even more difficult for pregnant women, especially while they has to deal with so many other things. Follow the steps above and it can really make a difference in avoiding acid reflux during pregnancy. For more information read the Heartburn No More Review.