Heartburn in early pregnancy is quite common and there is couple of reasons for this. When a woman is pregnant her hormone levels increase which causes the ligaments of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to soften. This means it is more unlikely the acids to reflux back to the throat.
When a woman is pregnant there is more pressure in her stomach due to the baby of course being there. The results of this are contents of the stomach being pushed into the esophagus.
In order to try and lessen the problem of heartburn in early pregnancy, I offer 7 helpful tips:
1. Cut down or avoid altogether the sort of foods that help to cut heartburn. Avoid fatty and spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices and chocolate. Generally try and eat healthily as you would normally try to.
2. Take in less caffeine which means fewer cups of tea, coffee and cola as caffeine contributes to the relaxation of the LES.
3. Alcohol has a similar effect to caffeine and should similarly be cut down or eliminated altogether.
4. The larger the meals you have the more likely you will suffer heart burn so try and eat many small meals rather than a few large ones.
5. Try to eat meals slowly; food that is not properly chewed and then digested is more likely to cause acid reflux.
6. Don't eat directly before going to bed; preferably have a few hours rest before going to sleep after your last meal.
7. Try not to put on any excess weight and fat, although this can be difficult during pregnancy. More weight causes more stomach pressure and so forcing more acid and food contents up through the LES.
The key to avoiding heartburn in early pregnancy is to try and live a healthy lifestyle as you would normally do except being a little extra cautious about what you do and what you put into your body.
