Let’s know what causes of Acid reflux pregnancy
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Acid reflux pregnancy, This is called heartburn, However, the burning in your chest has nothing to do with the heart. Inconvenient and depressing, it troubles many women, especially during pregnancy.
The first question you may have is how to prevent it. You may also wonder if the treatments are safe for your child. Know what causes heartburn during pregnancy and what you can do about it.
Causes of Acid reflux pregnancy
During pregnancy, what causes heartburn?
During normal digestion, the food is through the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), the muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the stomach. LES is the part of the gate between your esophagus and your stomach. This allows the food to open, and close, to prevent stomach acid from coming back.
When you have heartburn, or acid reflux, LES comfortably allows stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This can cause pain and irritation in the chest area.
During pregnancy, hormone changes can allow muscles in the esophagus, including LES, to relax more frequently. The result is that more acid can go back, especially when you are lying down or when you have eaten a large meal.
Also, as your fetus grows during the second and third trimesters and your uterus expands to accommodate that growth, your stomach is under more pressure. This can cause food and acid to be pushed back into your esophagus.
Heartburn is a common occurrence for most people at one time or another, but it does not mean that you are pregnant. However, if you also experience other symptoms, such as missed periods or nausea, these may be signs that you need to take a pregnancy test.
Does pregnancy cause heartburn?
Pregnancy increases the risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, the muscles in your esophagus slowly push food into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty. This gives your body more time for the fetus to absorb nutrients, but it can also result in heartburn.
During the third trimester, your baby’s growth may push your stomach out of its normal position, which can cause heartburn.
However, each woman is different. Being pregnant does not mean that you will have heartburn. It depends on many factors including your physiology, diet, daily habits and your pregnancy.
Can I make lifestyle changes that help prevent this?
Removing heartburn during pregnancy usually involves some trial and error. Lifestyle habits that can reduce heartburn are often the safest ways for a mother and child. The following suggestions may help to relieve your heartburn:
- Eat small meals more often and avoid drinking while eating. Drink water in between meals instead.
- Eat slowly and chew every bite thoroughly.
- Avoid eating a few hours before bedtime.
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn. Typical culprits include chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomato-based items, carbonated drinks, and caffeine.
- Stay straight for at least one hour after a meal. Leisurely walking can also encourage digestion.
- Wear comfortable instead of tight-fitting clothing.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Use pillows or wedges to elevate your upper body while sleeping.
- Sleep on your left side. Lying on your right will make your stomach taller than your esophagus, as a result you may get heartburn.
- Chew sugarless gum after meals. Increased saliva can neutralize any acid coming back into the esophagus.
- Eating curd or drinking a glass of milk should be left after the symptoms begin.
- Mix some honey in chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk.
Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or guided imagery. In acid reflux pregnancy always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.
