Natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it often comes with a less pleasant companion – heartburn. If you’re looking for natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy, you’re in the right place, as this article is dedicated to helping expectant mothers like you find relief from heartburn using natural methods. From diet changes to simple home remedies, we’ll explore safe and effective ways to ease your discomfort during this special time.
“A many as 8 out of 10 women experience indigestion at some point during their pregnancy.”
www.nhs.uk.
What is heartburn and why does it happen?
Heartburn is a pretty common side effect when you’re pregnant, and loads of women feel these niggly symptoms, which can get quite sore sometimes. Why does it happen? It’s all down to hormone changes when you’re expecting. And, in the later months, as your baby grows, your womb presses on your stomach. This can cause what we call acid reflux or heartburn. This is when stomach acid sneaks up into your food pipe (the oesophagus).
If you’ve got heartburn, you might feel a sort of tight or burning feeling in your throat and chest, usually just behind the breastbone. Sometimes, you might get a bitter or sour taste in your throat or even feel queasy.
It is important to note that indigestion and heartburn are harmless to you and your baby, but it can be painful and leave you feeling uncomfortable.
“… By the third trimester, nearly three quarters of pregnant women can suffer from heartburn.”
www.gaviscon.co.uk.
Natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy
What helps heartburn in pregnancy? There are some easy ways to help calm it down. Sometimes, it’s just about tweaking what you eat or how you sit and sleep. Eating more alkaline foods – stuff like milk and ginger, which are brilliant for acid reflux – can balance out the acid and ease the heartburn. And a little tip: if you sit or sleep a bit more upright, it helps keep the acid down in your stomach and away from your oesophagus. Simple changes like these can make a big difference.
But, when indigestion and heartburn can become too much for you to bear, asking your GP or midwife for some safe medication for heartburn to relieve symptoms may be an option.
What helps with indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy – Antacids and alginates
Antacids can be taken to provide immediate relief from indigestion. They work by neutralising the acid in the stomach (making it less acidic) so it no longer irritates the protective lining (mucosa) of the digestive system.
Some alginates can be combined with antacids to relieve any indigestion caused by heartburn (when acid leaks back up the oesophagus and irritates the protective lining.)
If you’re struggling with heartburn during pregnancy, your GP or midwife might suggest Gaviscon. It’s safe to use, even if you’re breastfeeding. Gaviscon is pretty clever – it creates a sort of protective layer over your stomach contents. This layer stops the acid from moving up to your oesophagus. The best part? It doesn’t even need to get into your bloodstream to work its magic and give you relief.
Gaviscon Original, Gaviscon Double Action, and Gaviscon Advance come in liquid and tablet forms, and they’re all okay to use when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Heartburn and indigestion can be a real bother during pregnancy, so, it’s important to get on top of those symptoms quickly. And if you’re not sure what to do, just have a chat with your GP or midwife.
Just a heads-up, though – some medicines might not be great for your baby on the way. So, always check in with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything while you’re pregnant.
Get online for help
Managing your health needs can be a daunting task. Thankfully, an online pharmacy can be a convenient solution. Purchasing medicine online saves you a trip to the high street and offers the comfort of getting your healthcare needs delivered right to your doorstep. A pharmacy online in the UK typically provides a wide range of products, from over-the-counter medicines to prescription drugs.
Many online chemists offer expert advice and consultations with qualified healthcare professionals. This means you can receive guidance on medication and health concerns without having to schedule an in-person visit, saving precious time in your busy day. Using an online pharmacy can often be more cost-effective, with competitive pricing and the convenience of comparing products from your home.
Alternative safe home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy
Besides the remedies we’ve already mentioned, there are other simple, natural ways to ease heartburn during pregnancy. Here are some other ideas:
How to naturally treat heartburn during pregnancy – relax and unwind
Popular natural heartburn remedies can also include anxiety relief, which could cause heartburn. Giving yourself time to relax and unwind, perhaps through meditation or just some deep breathing exercises, can work wonders for your mental well-being. Eating right is also key. Quick, nutritious meals can boost your energy levels throughout the day. And it’s okay to ask for help – sharing household chores can free up some much-needed ‘you’ time.
Natural ways to prevent pregnancy heartburn – use technology
If you’re doing too much, natural ways to relieve pregnancy heartburn can include using technology, like apps for reminders or managing your to-do list efficiently. Also, remember the power of saying no. It’s okay to decline requests that don’t fit into your schedule or priorities. Involve your family in the daily routine. Assigning age-appropriate chores to children not only eases your load but also teaches them responsibility. With these small adjustments, your daily life can become more manageable, leaving you with precious moments to relax and rejuvenate, in turn, allowing you time to recover and regenerate.
FAQ
How can I stop acid reflux at night while pregnant?
First off, try not to eat big meals right before bed. Keep it light and easy. Also, spicy or fatty foods are not your friends right now, so try to steer clear, especially in the evening.
You can also prop yourself up with a few extra pillows. Sleeping a bit more upright can help keep that pesky acid where it belongs – in your stomach. Also, don’t forget to keep sipping water throughout the day, but maybe not too much right before bed. Staying hydrated is good, but you don’t want to overfill your stomach at night.
If none of this is doing the trick, have a word with your GP or midwife. They might suggest something like Gaviscon as previously mentioned above, which is generally safe during pregnancy.
Remember, every mum-to-be is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. It’s all about finding what suits you best.
What drink is good for heartburn when pregnant?
A good, simple choice is milk. It can help neutralise the acid in your stomach. Just go for a glass of skim or low-fat milk; it’s easier on the stomach compared to the full-fat kind.
Also, ginger tea can be a real winner. It’s gentle and can help settle your stomach. Just steep some fresh ginger in hot water for a few minutes, and you’re good to go. But remember, keep it to a cup or two a day, as too much ginger isn’t ideal when you’re pregnant.
And of course, water is always your best bet. It keeps you hydrated and helps things move along in your digestive system.
Just a little tip: try to avoid drinks that are too hot or too cold – lukewarm is the way to go when you’ve got heartburn.
Is honey good for heartburn during pregnancy?
Honey can be quite helpful. Honey is naturally soothing and has a bit of a coating action, which might ease the burn in your throat. Just a spoonful in warm (not hot) water or tea can make a nice, gentle remedy.
But, as with anything during pregnancy, don’t go overboard. A little bit of honey goes a long way. And of course, if you’re still struggling with heartburn, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your midwife or GP for more advice.
Indian home remedies for acidity during pregnancy?
Amla, or Indian gooseberry is good for acidity. You can have a teaspoon of amla powder with a bit of water or honey. It’s natural and gentle.
Then, there’s buttermilk. Sipping on a glass of buttermilk with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and a bit of black salt can help balance the acidity in your stomach.
You might also want to try fennel seeds (saunf). Just chew on a few after meals. They’re known for aiding digestion and can help ease acidity.
And of course, coconut water! It’s super hydrating and has a cooling effect on the stomach.
Just remember, while these remedies are natural, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife before trying anything new, especially during pregnancy.
How to relieve heartburn during pregnancy with apple cider vinegar?
Some people find apple cider vinegar helpful for heartburn, but the trick is to dilute it because it’s pretty strong stuff. Try mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and sip it before meals. It might help balance your stomach acid levels.
But here’s the thing – apple cider vinegar isn’t for everyone, especially when you’re pregnant. It’s quite acidic, so if you have a sensitive stomach or if it makes your heartburn worse, you might want to skip it.
It’s always a good idea to have a quick chat with your midwife or GP before trying it out, just to be on the safe side.
What can pregnant women take for heartburn during the third trimester?
During the third trimester, heartburn can be a real nuisance. But don’t worry, there are safe things you can take.
First, have a look at your diet. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of big ones. Avoiding spicy, fatty, or very acidic foods can also help.
For quick relief, over-the-counter antacids like Tums are usually considered safe during pregnancy. They can neutralise the stomach acid pretty quickly. But remember, don’t overdo it and always check the label.
If antacids aren’t doing the trick, your GP or midwife might suggest something like Gaviscon. It forms a barrier on top of your stomach contents to stop acid from coming up.
And, of course, simple home remedies like sipping on milk or eating yoghurt can also provide some relief.
Just a heads-up, it’s always a good idea to run any medication or supplement by your healthcare provider before taking it, especially when you’re in the later stages of pregnancy.
What can help reduce heartburn during pregnancy if you can’t have dairy?
If dairy is off the table and you’re dealing with heartburn during pregnancy, no worries, there are still plenty of other ways to help soothe it.
First up, think about what you eat. Try to avoid spicy, greasy, or super acidic foods. Eating smaller meals more frequently instead of big meals can also help keep heartburn at bay.
Ginger is a great natural remedy. You can have it as ginger tea or even chew on a small piece of fresh ginger.
Almond milk can be a good dairy-free option. It’s soothing and has a neutral pH, which might help balance stomach acid.
Stay a bit more upright after eating, and prop your head up with some extra pillows when you sleep. This can help keep that acid down.
And, of course, as mentioned earlier, water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps digestion and can dilute stomach acid.
Just remember, if heartburn’s really bothering you, it’s a good idea to chat with your midwife or GP. They can help you find the best way to manage it during your pregnancy.
How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast when you’re suffering during the night?
Other questions asked were:
- What helps acid reflux while pregnant?
- What to take for heartburn when pregnant?
Dealing with heartburn during pregnancy can be a real bother, but when you need pregnancy heartburn relief at night, here’s what you can do to get some quick relief:
- Prop Yourself Up: Use some extra pillows to elevate your head and upper body. This helps keep the stomach acid down and might stop it from bothering your throat, thus offering relief for heartburn when pregnant
- Sip Some Water: Drinks that help with heartburn during pregnancy must include water! Sometimes, just sipping a little bit of water can help wash down the acid that’s crept up your throat.
- Chew Gum: If you’ve got sugar-free gum handy, give it a chew. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which can help neutralise stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn during pregnancy
- Antacids: Acid reflux during pregnancy third trimester can be really tough. Over-the-counter antacids, like Tums, can work fast to neutralise acid. Just make sure they’re pregnancy-safe – most are, but it’s always good to double-check.
- Eat an Apple: Some women find that eating an apple helps with heartburn. It might be worth a try for indigestion relief during pregnancy!
- Breathing and Relaxation: Pregnancy heartburn remedies can include deep breathing and trying to relax can help reduce heartburn symptoms.
If you keep getting heartburn at night, it might be worth looking at what you eat in the evening and avoiding big meals or spicy foods before bed.
And as always, if you’re not sure or if heartburn’s really bothering you, have a chat with your GP or midwife. They can offer more personalised advice.
Can you list the foods that help with heartburn during pregnancy?
Other questions asked were
- What helps with acid reflux while pregnant?
- What helps heartburn during pregnancy?
When you’re dealing with heartburn during pregnancy, some foods can be real lifesavers. Here’s a list of ones that can help:
- Ginger: Home heartburn remedies during pregnancy can include a bit of ginger in your food or sipping ginger tea can calm your stomach.
- Bananas: Natural remedies like bananas are soft and soothing, and great for coating your stomach lining.
- Oatmeal: A nice, gentle start to your day, oatmeal’s great for absorbing acid.
- Yoghurt: It’s cool and creamy, which can help ease the burn.
- Green Veggies: Foods to help heartburn during pregnancy should include greens! Think broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and spinach – they’re not acidic.
- Lean Meats: Pregnancy indigestion relief can include chicken or turkey (grilled or baked, not fried!) as they are good, gentle protein options.
- Melons: Remedies for acid reflux when pregnant can include watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew as they are mostly water, so they’re easy on your tummy.
- Rice and Whole Grains: These can help absorb acid and keep things calm in your stomach.
- Almonds: A small snack of almonds can balance your stomach’s acidity.
Just remember, everyone’s different, so what works for one person might not work for another. And, of course, if heartburn’s a big problem, it’s always a good idea to chat with your midwife or GP.
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