Causes of heartburn during pregnancy:
Heartburn can affect a pregnant woman more easily because of the increase in hormone levels and also due to alterations in the uterus. Normally, when a woman is pregnant, the uterine wall becomes relaxed to accommodate the growing fetus inside it. The uterus, when enlarged, puts pressure on the stomach, which then triggers the reflux action. This pressure on the stomach pushes the food and gastric juices in it out and into the esophagus. The valve controlling the flow of food and acids gets damaged, causing heartburn and irritation in the chest region. The hormonal changes affecting the stomach also cause heartburn. Hormonal changes induce relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.
Foods as triggers of heartburn:
Heartburn may be experienced if the digestive system needs to work on a lot of acid-rich foods. Acidic foods include all preserved and processed foods. These food varieties cannot be digested easily and require a lot of gastric secretions for digestion. Normally, fresh organic fruits are safe for any digestive problem, but for heartburn, it is better to avoid some fruits that are rich in citric acid. These are oranges, grapes, and lemons. Aside from these highly acidic fruits, it would also be better to avoid other triggers of heartburn such as spicy food and fried junk foods. During pregnancy, the chances of getting heartburn are high and so you have to avoid all these food items if possible. It is necessary to avoid illnesses during pregnancy to keep the baby healthy.
Prevention:
When pregnant, women should eat more fresh fruits as apples, berries, and other healthy natural vegetables and fruits. The medications you are prescribed should be tested safe from any allergic reactions. Never lie down immediately after eating; stay in an upright position for some time after meals. Do not eat a lot in one sitting; it is more advisable to eat small portions more frequently. Never wear any tight-fitting clothes as they can increase pressure on your organs and increase the chances of getting heartburn.
Heartburn during pregnancy can create panic due to the severe pain felt in the chest region. When this happens, stay calm and focused to overcome heartburn and its symptoms. Heartburn should not be viewed as a sign of pregnancy; instead, what should be kept in mind is that there are greater chances of getting heartburn while pregnant.
