The best pregnancy heartburn remedies 2024

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEARTBURN IN PREGNANCY?

• A burning feeling in the chest or throat, particularly after eating.

• Bloating, wind, and burping.

• Nausea and sickness.

Why is heartburn common in pregnancy?

Heartburn, also called indigestion and acid reflux, is very common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women.

The hormonal changes are to blame as they relax the tube and valve that connects the stomach and the oesophagus. This relaxation causes stomach acid to leak into the oesophagus.

In later pregnancy, the growing baby can put pressure on the stomach and make things worse.

It’s not all bad though as it’s believed this gastrointestinal relaxation slows digestion and means nutrients are more easily absorbed into your bloodstream for the baby.

When do you get heartburn in pregnancy?

It is most common from 27 weeks onwards but some may get it from the first trimester.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO EASE OR PREVENT PREGNANCY HEARTBURN?

1. Eat little and often rather than have three big meals.

2. Try not eating three hours before bed and using 2 to 3 pillows to keep your upper body raised at night. Propping up the head of the bed is another option.

3. Keeping upright after eating and eating more slowly.

4. Drink plenty of fluids between meals but not while you are eating.

5. Avoid rich, spicy, and fatty foods as well as chocolate, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and fruit juice.

6. Some say that drinking milk really helps.

7. Smoking and alcohol can harm your baby but if you really need another reason, they also make heartburn worse.

8. Acupuncture may help.

9. Take medicines like antacids and alginates.

what medicines can relieve pregnancy heartburn?

Antacids may help as they neutralise stomach acid and you can also try alginates, which prevent the acids from coming back up. Do not take antacids at the same time as iron supplements as they can stop the iron from being fully absorbed.

If the heartburn is severe, talk to your GP and they may prescribe some medicine.

Here are some of the most popular antacids and alginates to try.

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