Blog
Home > Blogs > Problems of Acidity During Pregnancy

Problems of Acidity During Pregnancy

Problems of Acidity During Pregnancy

December 26, 2018

The journey from womanhood to motherhood is truly a wonderful experience. It is an absolute blessing to be able to carry a precious soul within you, nurturing it throughout nine months. Undoubtedly, it adds excitement and immense joy to your life. But this feeling can go awry when you have a lingering discomfort in your chest. Although this might seem like something serious, who knew acidity, a common issue, could be a cause for such a concern?


As a matter of fact, the burning feeling in your chest has nothing to do with your heart. Strangely, it has to do with your stomach. Acidity is a common concern among pregnant women with many searching high and low for effective treatments. Read on to find out about the various causes and remedies of heartburns or acidity occurring in pregnant women.


Causes of Heartburn


Although termed as ‘heartburn’, the burning sensation that arises in your chest is not related to any heart ailment. It has to do with your stomach, specifically, your lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). During digestion, food passes through your food pipe (oesophagus) into the tummy. At the point where the food pipe connects to your stomach, there exists a muscular valve which is your LES. The main function of the LES is to prevent the backflow of food as well as stomach acid into the oesophagus.
When the LES relaxes due to excess pressure on it, the acidic contents of your stomach regurgitate into your oesophagus, causing heartburn or acid reflux. The acid in the oesophagus leads to pain and burning sensation in the chest area. Since pregnancy results in major hormonal changes, the muscular valve as well as the muscles in the oesophagus begin to relax more often than usual. This generally occurs during the first trimester of your pregnancy when your body needs more time to absorb nutrients from the food, for both yourself and the fetus. This extra time required by the stomach, can result in heartburn. The chances of heartburn amplifies especially when you're lying down directly after eating a heavy meal.


As the fetus in your body develops during the second and third trimester, the uterus expands to accommodate it. It leads to tremendous pressure on your stomach. This can also result in reflux of acid into the oesophagus. However, not all women suffer from heartburns during pregnancy. Although pregnant women are at a higher risk of suffering from heartburns, the symptoms vary from person to person, depending on their diet, body structure, metabolism, pregnancy etc.

Natural Ways of Relieving Heartburn


Relieving heartburn during pregnancy requires using some trial and error methods. However, the remedy should be chosen after keeping the health and safety of the baby in mind. Therefore, changes in lifestyle habits are the safest methods to reduce heartburns for both the mother as well as the baby. The following tips will help in curing heartburn:


Proper Eating Habits


Consuming smaller and frequent meals can help tackle indigestion and reduce the pressure on your stomach. Avoid drinking water while having food, instead, have water in-between or after meals. Consume your food slowly while chewing every bite properly. Don’t eat food prior to bed as it increases the chances of reflux. Do not consume foods and beverages that could potentially cause irritation in your stomach and cause stomach disturbances.


The most common causes of acidity include fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits and caffeine. Do not lie down immediately after eating food and sit in an upright position for at least one hour post food consumption. A leisure walk or stroll might also help in furthering digestion.


Correct Sleeping Posture


Elevate your upper body posture using pillows and wedges while sleeping. Try and sleep on your left side as sleeping on your right can put your stomach at a higher position than your oesophagus. This might increase chances of heartburn and thus, should be avoided.


Having Gas-O-Fast


The Ayurvedic blend of Jeera, Pudina, Ajwain, and Saunf present in Gas-O-Fast aids in digestion and relieves you of acidity and gas. The herbal ingredients tackle the root cause of acidity resulting in relief from pain and frustration. Try out this natural remedy for instant relief from pain without any medications and side effects. It is absolutely safe for pregnant ladies as it contains natural ingredients to combat pain and acidity.


Chewing Bubble Gum


Surprising as it may seem, chewing bubble gum helps in keeping heartburns away. The increased salivation due to the chewing helps neutralize any acid that regurgitates into the oesophagus from the stomach.


Sipping on Ginger Tea


This warm beverage works wonders to cure acidity. Not only does it prevent indigestion and promote digestion, it also reduces acid production in the stomach, cures sore throat, and also helps in regulating sugar levels.


Sipping on Dandelion tea


This is another natural remedy that aids in the regulation of stomach acids. However, do not consume dandelion tea if you are on blood pressure medication as it contains natural contents that may interfere with your medication.


Conclusion


Heartburns and acidity are a major cause of discomfort amongst pregnant women that can be tackled easily with natural remedies. If you are pregnant and experiencing heartburn and acidity, try the best suitable remedy from the above list and bid heartburns a sincere farewell!


Categories :

Disclaimer This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

Your Thoughts