Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant right now, you may be one of the unfortunate group of women that suffers from various uncomfortable symptoms. Two of such symptoms that you would find tough in coping would be indigestion and acid reflux. Several reasons explain why these two particular symptoms appear to be experienced in a greater frequency than others during pregnancy.

Firstly, due to pregnancy, you undergo hormonal changes. The surge of hormones can have an effect on every aspect of your health, including your digestive health. It can actually cause your lower esophageal sphincter to loosen a bit. This is the part of your esophagus that naturally holds the food in the stomach. So if it loosens or softens, it could trigger acid reflux by letting the acid go back up into the esophagus.

On top of the hormonal changes, there are also physical changes occurring. As your pregnancy advances, the shape of your body changes. Your stomach area will keep expanding. It would then increase the pressure on your esophagus which can then cause indigestion. You may find that therefore while you have been fine in the early stages of pregnancy, that as you grow physically, these symptoms come into play.

It does not mean that you cannot do a thing about having heartburn symptoms during pregnancy. Here are some tips to help you.

1. Proper Selection of Food

The most important thing that can be done is to avoid foods that induces indigestion. Such foods may vary in its effect from one person to another. Generally, most women are affected by citrus foods, mint, spicy foods, fried foods, and chocolate.

2. Frequently Eat Smaller Meals

Instead of eating large meals, break them down to smaller meals. This would also help prevent morning sickness all day long. Due to constantly eating smaller meals, the risk of heartburn or morning sickness is reduced. Your body will never be too full and it will be able to process the food eaten in a more controlled manner.

3. Practicing Proper Posture

Practicing proper posture would also help avoid indigestion and acid reflux. This is something that most of the pregnant women are not aware of. The said tip is especially true through the manner of bending. When you are pregnant, you should always bend down at the knees. Of course as your stomach grows you will have no other choice. But even early on, bending at the knees will not put as much pressure on your middle section, which will help you avoid the discomforts of indigestion.

These are some ways to help you alleviate the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux during pregnancy. You should use these natural methods rather than turn to drug medications this period. Of course, if you are still having severe acid reflux or indigestion, you should see a doctor to ask for some advice.

Read here for more free tips for acid reflux treatment.