Acidity During Pregnancy Can Be Treated With These Home Remedies

Acidity is a common problem encountered by most women during their pregnancy, especially in the second or third trimester. Acidity occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle responsible for keeping stomach contents in their place, begins to relax or leak, allowing the stomach acids to flow upward into the esophagus.

During pregnancy, acidity occurs mainly for two reasons.

First, the hormone relaxin slows the digestion process, meaning food stays in your stomach longer and triggers more acid production.Secondly, the growing baby inside the womb exerts pressure on both the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chance that acids will be pushed up into the esophagus.

* Ginger

Ginger is a natural aid for getting relief from acidity during pregnancy. The active components like volatile oils and phenol compounds in ginger help neutralize stomach acids, which in turn reduce heartburn or acidity.

- Drink warm ginger tea after eating a meal. To make the tea, add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to a cup of hot water.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes, strain and enjoy it while it is still warm. Drink no more than 2 cups of ginger tea a day.
- You can also enjoy some ginger candies.

* Apple Cider Vinegar

Although many dislike the taste of apple cider vinegar, it can help reduce acidity. The acid content in it tells the stomach to stop producing more acid, and stops heartburn or acidity in its tracks.

- Simply add 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
- If you wish, add a little honey to make the drink more palatable.
- Drink it 30 minutes before eating a meal, on a regular basis.

* Plain Water

Staying well-hydrated by drinking enough water helps control the digestion process and eases acidity by making it harder for acid to flow back up the food pipe.

You must drink plenty of water, but not all at once. Gulping a lot of water in one sitting actually increases the risk of heartburn, especially when the increasing size of your baby pushes your stomach upward. Instead, try to sip water all day long.

* Chewing Gum

Chewing a piece of sugarless gum after meals is another simple way to treat acidity during pregnancy. Chewing gum increases production of saliva that helps neutralize any acid coming back up into the esophagus.

* Eat Less, More Often

Pregnancy can increase your cravings for certain foods and you may end up eating more than usual. But if you are suffering from acidity, bear in mind that overeating exacerbates heartburn and acidity, as there is less room for your stomach to expand.Unsurprisingly, most reflux symptoms take place after a meal.