Cause of Acid Reflux While Pregnant

During a woman's pregnancy a variety of changes will take place to her body. Enjoying pregnancy can be difficult at this exiting time with issues like acid reflux to contend with. There is an old wives tale that pregnant women with acid reflux means the child will be born with a full head of hair. The truth is that higher stomach acid levels are produces by hormone changes during pregnancy which lends to a higher level of acid reflux.

Hormonal changes can result in the production of more stomach acid while pregnant. Since it isn’t uncommon for pregnant women to eat more food than before they will continue to produce even more acid. Different foods combined with the increase hormones can result in more acid refluxing into the esophagus. Having to deal with acid reflux is a thing nearly 1/4 of pregnant woman fight every day. This situation makes it hard to sleep well and even harder to focus on the daily routines.

As the pregnancy progresses there is more pressure on the stomach area. More heartburn pain is the result of extra pressure due to the acid moving into the esophagus. That is why the majority of pregnant women find that they suffer from acid reflux during the last few months of it. Since what the woman consumes affects the baby there are limits on what can be taken. Try avoiding prescription medication for acid reflux.

It is possible to take antacids to treat mild cases of acid reflux during pregnancy. Taking antacids does not harm the baby according to extensive research. Pregnant women do need to be careful though as they contain large amounts of sodium. Fluid retention from too much sodium can result in swelling of the ankles and legs.

Every woman wants her baby to be as healthy as possible and that is understandable. Trying to alleviate acid reflux using natural remedies is important during pregnancy. Fresh fruits are an important part of your diet but acid reflux can be increased eating certain fruits. Avoid those that contain large amounts of acid in large quantities. They include oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.

For better digestion eating smaller meals about six times per day is better. The longer time the body takes to digest large meals means that eating smaller ones produces less acid. Consume large amounts of water during the day too so that you stay hydrated. The body will digest foods easier if taken with liquids. Your last meal at night should be taken hours before going to bed to avoid acid reflux while lying in bed.

Elevate your head and shoulders when you sleep as well. When you rest during the day or at night in bed this will help stop the acid from entering the esophagus. There are special pillows for this or you can just stack two of them. Stacking bricks or a board under the head of your bed is another tip for elevating your torso. The significant difference you will have by elevating your bed is definitely worth the effort.

Try to lay on your left side too as this will help to get the acid reduced in your stomach. Avoid increased stomach acid by not lying on your back or right side. It may not always be comfortable during a pregnancy to lie on your left side but do your very best to get into that routine. It will certainly help you to avoid suffering from acid reflux.

Following such guidelines will help you offset acid reflux during pregnancy. This is a great time for a mom so keep those negative aspects of it away. Getting enough rest is important too because soon you will have a little one up all night. If you continue to suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis during your pregnancy make sure you share this information with your doctor. Severe heartburn can cause damage to the esophagus lining which in turn needs more treatment which can be alleviated by your doctor.