How to Manage Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn is a common discomfort for many pregnant people, and happen throughout each trimester - with the third trimester being the most common.
Hormonal changes, most notably an increase in progesterone levels, can cause the muscles in the digestive tract to relax, allowing gastric acids to flow back into the esophagus. Additionally, the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, further contributing to heartburn symptoms.
Risk Factors for Heartburn
Multiparity
Pre-existing heartburn
Advanced gestational age
Smoking
Natural Remedies for Heartburn in Pregnancy
Dietary Modifications
Avoid certain foods & beverages
Certain foods can prompt or worsen the symptoms of heartburn. These may include: fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, mints, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, tomatoes & carbonated products.
In addition, using a diet diary may help you determine which foods are prompting your symptoms.
Consume frequent small meals
This helps avoid overfilling the stomach and reduces the likelihood of acid reflux. Additionally, eating slowly and thoroughly chewing each bite can aid digestion and minimize heartburn symptoms. You might also consider drinking fluids between meals, and limiting fluid intake with meals
Lifestyle Modifications
Elevating the head during sleep
Using extra pillows or a wedge can help alleviate nighttime heartburn - especially when your head is raised by 10-15 cm. This may prevent gastric acids from flowing into the esophagus while sleeping.
Additionally, laying on your left side during sleep may also help to relieve discomfort.
Proper Posture
Maintaining an upright posture while eating, as well as after, may help prevent stomach acid from traveling back up into the esophagus. You may also want to avoid laying down within three hours after eating.
Other helpful ideas
Avoid tobacco use
Chew gum to neutralize acid
Increase physical activity to help with gastric motility
Acupuncture for Heartburn
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, as providers should be avoiding any contraindicated points based on your gestational week. Acupuncture may help to minimize the feelings of heartburn and decrease some of the following symptoms:
Burning heat in the epigastric area
Distension and pain
Belching
Acid regurgitation
Vomiting
Common heartburn points can be found on the arms, legs, and feet.
Next Steps
Managing heartburn during pregnancy may require some lifestyle adjustments and dietary modifications, but experiencing relief is possible! Consider booking an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor if you are interesting in trying acupuncture.