Heartburn Horrors

Posted by mamas

Posted: May 4, 2008 - 12:18 am

Many a pregnant woman has walked around with a gremlin in their chest named heartburn. There is even an old wives tale that mothers who experience extreme pregnancy heartburn, will birth babies with lots of hair on their heads. Regardless of how the heartburn may be affecting your baby, you are the one guaranteed to be feeling the sensations.

Why is this pregnancy discomfort so prevalent? Because of physical and chemical changes that occur during the course of pregnancy, your body will begin to internally shift and relax. This directly impacts your digestive track and esophagus. Hormones will cause the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus) to relax to the point that stomach acids actually splash back up into the esophagus. Increases in gastric acid production, only serve to compound this problem. As if that’s not enough, the enlarged uterus can crowd the abdomen and create the same effect.

As you well know, women often experience food cravings during pregnancy, but many of these foods can exaggerate this predicament. Foods that are spicy, fried, fatty, or rich, are among the common offenders. And yes, that includes chocolate and caffeine. However, virtually any food has the potential to instigate a heartburn reaction in your body. Obviously, you can not stop eating altogether, and popping Tums continuously is not a permanent solution either. So here are some suggestions that you can try that will squelch the fire inside.

• Get rid of the tight fitting clothing. From underwear to pants that are not stretchy enough, you could be aggravating your system, from the outside in, by putting undue pressure on your abdomen and stomach.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently, as opposed to large meals less often. Don’t forget to slow down and chew your food thoroughly.
• Sip liquids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at meal time. Ensure that you are getting enough water, just don’t drink it all at one time.
• Don’t lie down directly after eating. This one is tough when you are pregnant because it is difficult to plan when you will be hungry and when you are going to be tired. If possible, try not to eat anything an hour or two before bed. But if you are going to bed immediately following a meal, try to elevate your head. Some individuals place blocks or phone books under the head of their bed, in order to raise the entire mattress. Others have found that resting in a recliner works well for them.

If severe heartburn continues, your provider can offer additional solutions for the persistent case. However, some people prefer a more natural approach. As with any alternative method and pregnancy, you should check with your care provider prior to use. Here are some natural interventions that may aid in your battle with heartburn.

• Drinking skim milk after a meal will cause the pyloric muscle to tighten, and can help to ease heartburn.
• Eating celery with your meal has been shown to help.
• Gripe water can be purchased in the natural food section of most stores, or ordered on-line, and can be taken, several teaspoons at a time, as needed. Check the label to be sure that it does not contain baking soda.
• Digestive enzymes have been used to help move food out of the stomach that often sits longer, later in pregnancy. Two bromelain tablets 20 minutes before meals may help. Bromelain is found naturally in pineapple.
• Papaya, in the form of tablets, fruit, or juice is known to reduce heartburn. (People with latex allergies or allergies to bananas or kiwi may be also allergic to papaya).

The good news is that heartburn usually disappears after the birth of your baby. In the meantime, do your best to listen to your body and find what solutions will work for you.

Has heartburn been an issue for you during pregnancy? Do you have any other heartburn related advice?

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