What to do if you have heartburn and acid reflux in late pregnancy

Some pregnant women may experience symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux due to excessive gastric acid secretion in the late stages of pregnancy. In the late pregnancy, as the fetus grows, it presses on the abdomen, so you will feel heartburn. Many expectant mothers will go through this stage, which is caused by the enlarged uterus pressing on the stomach and changes in hormone levels in the body. So, the editor has written below the specific methods to solve acid reflux and heartburn in pregnant women in the late pregnancy.

While it's difficult to completely eliminate the feeling of heartburn, you can take steps to relieve it. A proper diet is very important. Do not eat too much to avoid increasing the pressure in the stomach and lifting the diaphragm. Especially for dinner, you should avoid overeating and eating too late. It is best to eat within 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. Try to eat less greasy and high-fat foods. Do not eat acidic foods, spicy foods, or foods that are too cold or too hot.

1. Avoid foods and drinks that cause gastrointestinal discomfort, which usually include: carbonated drinks, alcohol (you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy anyway), caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods (including citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard and vinegar, etc.), cooked meats, mint foods, spicy, strong-flavored, fried or high-fat foods.

2. Don’t eat too much at one meal. Eat small meals frequently, slow down your eating speed, and chew your food slowly.

3. Don't drink a lot of water or beverages while eating, as this will make you feel bloated. While it is important to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day during pregnancy, this should be taken in small sips between meals.

4. Chew a piece of gum after eating. Chewing gum stimulates saliva secretion, which helps neutralize stomach acid.

5. Don’t eat before going to bed. Don't eat 2 to 3 hours before going to bed so you have enough time to digest the food.

6. Use more pillows or wedge-shaped cushions when sleeping. Elevating your upper body helps keep stomach acid in your stomach and improves digestion.

7. Gain weight appropriately, but do not exceed the range recommended by your doctor.

8. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Don't let tight clothing squeeze your waist and abdomen.

9. When you need to lower your body, bend your knees instead of bending over.

10. Never smoke. Not only does smoking lead to many serious health problems, but it also increases stomach acid secretion. (To achieve the best results, women who smoke should quit before getting pregnant. But if you are still smoking after you get pregnant and find it difficult to quit, please consult your doctor to see if she can help you find a suitable way to quit smoking.)

11. In addition, over-the-counter antacids containing magnesium or calcium may also help you relieve stomach discomfort, but be sure to consult a doctor before taking them, because some brands of antacids contain aluminum, aspirin or large amounts of sodium.