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Pregnancy Heartburn is reflected as one of the most collective illnesses women experience during their pregnancy.
This condition is characterized by the burning feeling on the chest, throat and mouth, as well as the sour or bitter taste.
Pregnancy heartburn is caused by the hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. There are certain types of hormones in the woman’s body that can cause the valve or the LES to soften, thus allowing stomach acid to reflux back to the esophageal tract from the stomach.
The growing baby inside the womb can also add more pressure in the stomach, push the abdomen upward and force the contents of the stomach to the esophagus. However, pregnancy heartburn can be easily remedied with the right remedies.
Various pregnancy heartburn remedies are available that can help control the ailment in pregnant women.
However, it is recommended that pregnant women opt for remedies that are considered safe not just for her but for the fetus as well. Natural remedies, prescription and over the counter medications can all be used. These can also be combined with lifestyle and dietary changes for more benefits.
Antacids, like tums, are known to be very effective against heartburn, as it can neutralize stomach acids.
For pregnant women, chewing antacids containing magnesium and calcium can be very helpful. The tablet may come with magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide. However, antacids containing aluminum carbonate or aluminum hydroxide should be avoided, as aluminum could lead to constipation and other toxic side effects.
Antacids containing sodium bicarbonate and sodium nitrate should also be avoided, as these can increase sodium level in the body and lead to the inflammation of ankles and fingers, as well as water retention. Acid reducers can also provide relief from heartburn during pregnancy.
Remember that it is always best to talk to your general practitioner before using any pregnancy heartburn medications.
Pregnancy heartburn can also be controlled by doing some lifestyle and dietary changes. When it comes to dieting, heartburn can be managed by avoiding the foods that can trigger the condition. Some of these foods include chocolates, tomatoes, garlic, citrus fruits, fatty and spicy foods, fried foods, mint products and vinegar. Avoiding coffee as well as having smaller meals throughout the day, co-incidentally this also helps morning sickness.
Wearing loose clothes when sleeping and keeping the head elevated is also essential. Smoking during pregnancy should be avoided. Yogurt is also an effective natural remedy against heartburn during the course of pregnancy.
Or adding honey to lukewarm water or warm milk before consuming it to relieve the symptoms of pregnancy heartburn.
This means you do not really have to rely on medications in order to deal with heartburn problems. If you still want to opt for medications, make sure that you consult your doctor before doing so, and make sure to follow your physician’s instructions regarding its consumption.
Both natural remedies and over the counter medications can be used for pregnancy heartburn. The only difference is that the natural pregnancy heartburn remedies do not come with any side effects and is said to be safer for the unborn child.
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