Heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints. Usually, heartburn occurs after eating or before going to bed. If not treated properly, this condition can cause discomfort and interfere with the activities of pregnant women.
Many pregnant women who may often experience heartburn. This condition is characterized by a burning or burning sensation in the center of the chest that can last for several minutes. Usually heartburn during pregnancy occurs due to changes in levels of the hormone progesterone.
High levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can make the gastric valves weaker, making it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus (reflux).
How to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy can actually be experienced at any gestational age, but is more common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. In addition to hormones, heartburn that occurs in the third trimester is usually also caused by the size of the baby getting bigger and pressing the stomach.
To relieve heartburn, there are several ways pregnant women can do, including:
1. Eat less, but more often
To prevent flatulence and relieve symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to eat smaller portions but often. So, instead of eating 3 times a day, try to eat 6 times in small portions. The reason is, eating little by little will be easier for the body to digest.
2. Consume foods with a soft or liquid texture
When experiencing heartburn, pregnant women should eat more soft or liquid foods or drinks with dense nutritional content, such as soup, smoothies, protein shakes, pudding, porridge, team rice, cereal, or yogurt. This type of food will be easier for the stomach to digest.
3. Avoid foods that trigger stomach acid
Pregnant women should avoid foods or drinks that can trigger stomach acid to rise, namely:
- Sour and spicy foods, such as oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, onions, and garlic
- Fizzy and alcoholic drinks
- Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate
- Fried and high fat foods
4. Pay attention to the sitting position when eating
To relieve pressure from the stomach and help relieve heartburn during pregnancy, it is also recommended to eat in an upright sitting position and avoid slouching, lying down, or half-lying positions for 1-3 hours after eating.
5. Wear loose and comfortable clothes
Using loose and comfortable maternity clothes can prevent pregnant women from feeling tight. Therefore, as much as possible avoid wearing clothes that are tight on the stomach and waist.
6. Elevate your head while sleeping
Another easy way to relieve heartburn during pregnancy is that the pregnant woman's sleeping position is arranged so that her head and shoulders are much higher than her feet. This method can help keep stomach acid down and facilitate digestion.
Heartburn during pregnancy is generally still a mild to moderate condition. However, if the heartburn does not improve even though pregnant women have done the things above, don't hesitate to consult a gynecologist so that they are given safe and appropriate treatment according to the cause.