It is common for women to experience heart burn during their pregnancy. If they have not experienced heart burn else before, it is almost possible that they will have it for the first time during their pregnancy. The heart burn can cause sour taste in the mouth, and burning sensation in the throat and chest. For some of the pregnant women it may become a familiar sensation. The reasons for heart burn during pregnancy are many. Pregnancy causes increase in the levels of hormones in the body. This can soften the ligaments which are tightly closing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This causes LES relaxing at inappropriate times. In this condition the possibilities of food and stomach acid refluxing back into the esophagus and throat are more. One more reason is that the pressure in the stomach increases as the baby grows and body changes. This results in the stomach contents getting forced through the LES and up further.
For the above reasons, you may not be able to get rid of the heart burn completely if you are a pregnant woman, but you can bring down the vigor of this discomfort by taking some measures as follows
You should not eat foods which can trigger heart burn. The list of such foods includes highly seasoned, fried and fatty foods. Tomato based products and tomato itself can trigger heart burn. Citrus foods and juices can lead to heart burn. Mustard, mint products, chocolate and spicy foods can cause heart burn. Try to avoid such foods that can cause a low risk also in this respect. A complete list of avoidable foods can be had from a medical professional.
Avoid beverages particularly that are containing caffeine. Caffeine can relax the LES. Avoid alcohol as it can also relax the LES. Do not take heavy volume of meals. Spread it as small quantities over the day. Chew the foods thoroughly. Leave a gap of at least three hours after the last meals and then go to bed.
You should drink plenty of water. A minimum of 8 – 10 glasses of water is essential. You can take other fluids too, but with a condition that they should not associate your meals in large quantities. Your stomach can distend if you take much of fluids and increase the pressure in the stomach and cause LES to open.
While sleeping your head and shoulders should be propped up with a pillow. Otherwise you can raise the head of your bed to about 6 inches at least. Due to gravity your stomach content is prevented from being pushed into esophagus. Avoid wearing tight fittings and wear loose clothes only. Do not bend at waist as it can increase the pressure in the stomach. Try to sit upright and do not slouch. Monitor your weight and avoid obesity which can increase pressure in the stomach. Do not smoke. It can increase the risk of heart burn.
Avoid taking over-the-counter medications and always consult your doctor only, for any health problems. Heart burn relievers are available without prescription, but take it only if your doctor approves it.