8 Home Remedies To Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many women often experience heartburn in various forms. This condition arises when the valve at the top of the stomach relaxes due to the presence of a growing baby. Normally, this top-lid valve plays a crucial role in aiding digestion and preventing stomach acids from causing discomfort.

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone interferes with the digestion process. As a result, food isn't fully digested, leading to regurgitation or undigested food moving back into the esophagus. This process creates an intense, painful sensation, often described as a burning feeling in the chest.

Pregnancy frequently brings along symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, with indigestion being a common occurrence as well. It's evident that these sensations and discomfort can make the early stages of pregnancy challenging and uneasy for many expectant mothers.

# Pineapple

Despite the availability of anti-acid pills, these pills often causes one to throw up which sometimes leaves you feeling far worse-off. A natural remedy on the other hand is linked to barely any undesirable side effects. And can be used as often as the need arises. Pineapple is one such proven remedy.

Fresh pineapple works the best but if unavailable frozen pineapples from the local grocery store can work just as well. The reason why pineapples in particular work is because within the pineapple is bromelain. This is the enzyme responsible for controlling hydrochloric acid in the tummy.

# Do Dairy

Regardless of the myths you may have heard of dairy, many expecting mums are stuck in them. They have sworn by a few tablespoons of unsweetened and plain yogurt as a form of dessert after meals. The yogurt can safely be consumed anytime the discomfort arises as it effectively lessens the sensations associated with acid build up.

Yogurt is proven to contain features of a probiotic and thus will reduce the acid build-up in both the esophagus and upper abdomen. Statistics show that the bacteria found in yogurt keeps the intestines healthy by getting rid of unwanted bacteria which may lead to illnesses. Since some people may find plain yogurt to be a less tasty alternative, many pregnant ladies have used milk or ice cream as an alternative to the yogurt option.

# Discuss H2 blockers

When antacids and such medication fail to work, more potent medications may be required. An H2 blocker some being Tagamet or Zantac may stop the stomach from producing acid.

H2 blockers are more easily available as an over the counter medicine as they have proven to have no side effects for pregnant ladies. Irrespective of the H2 blocker’s proven track record, a doctor must be consulted prior to taking these medicines. The common dosage of H2 blockers is having it not more than twice daily.

# Ginger

Ginger has been tried and tested by grannies alike for centuries. Many ladies suck on a ginger candy or sip on ginger ale to get rid of stomach irritations and upset tummy. Ginger is a very hot food and its spiciness acts to combat vomiting and nauseous feelings which often provoke the heart ache and burn.

# Slippery Elm

Slippery elm has to heal indigestion by absorbing the overload of acids and thus reduce swelling of the gastrointestinal tract. For slippery elm, dissolve powdery slippery elm in two cups of boiled water. Allow the elm to rest in the boiling water for a few minutes. The slippery elm is not so tasty so honey can be added to enhance the flavor. There are also slippery elm throat lozenges available that will have the same effect.

# Carry Yourself Well

During pregnancy, mothers ought to choose more baggy clothes but they should stick to this type of clothes after delivering the baby. Tight clothes press on the abdomen thus making the belly more susceptible to acid and acid reflux. You’re probably in no rush to wear skin-tight clothing because of your bulge. There is a baby growing inside you, until you go post-baby. Tight clothing may actually increase the pressure on your belly and abdomen, making you more susceptible to acid reflux. Sitting upright is also a way to get rid of unnecessary acid.

# Acupuncture and Acupressure

The acupuncture works on pressure points in the body. The pain inflicted areas of the body can be healed using simple acupuncture. Acupuncture is great for curing heartburn despite a lack of evidence to prove this. The use of far too many needles during acupuncture can allow the painkilling endorphin to be secreted into the body. The newly secreted endorphin can work towards easing any tension in the body.

A good home acupuncture treatment includes applying pressure to the wrist pressure point also known as pericardium point 6. To trace the pericardium simply place one hand on the inner wrist area. Measure three fingers widths from the crease to identify this point. Where the third finger lies on the inner wrist, identify the dip. Thrust into the dip and feel the slight pressure. For heartburn, pay attention to this pericardium points for about twenty to thirty times for per second intervals.

# Chew Gum

For severe heartburn, the easiest solution is to chew gum. Pick the best flavoured gum and chew on it post meals to help digest food easily. Having gum promotes the production and movement of saliva which thus results in a reduction of acid levels in the esophagus. This indirectly stops the gastroesophageal disease. Having chewing gum also aids in neutralizing acid in the esophagus. With chewing gum, it acts a breath fresher and gets rid of bad odors which is a common side effect of pregnancy associated heartburn.