How to Alleviate Heartburn During Pregnancy?

During the early stages of pregnancy, some pregnant women may experience intense reactions such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach pain, and gastric acid. These symptoms are related to the secretion of estrogen and the gradual enlargement of the fetus in the mother's body, which can compress adjacent digestive organs and exacerbate the symptoms. So how can we alleviate these symptoms of gastric acid in pregnant women? In fact, there are various ways to do so. Let's take a look at some of them.

1. Avoid eating too much or too late, chew gum after meals, and avoid overeating or eating too late for dinner. It is best to eat within 2-3 hours before bedtime to give yourself enough time to digest the food. Avoid foods and drinks that cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Chewing gum after eating can stimulate saliva secretion and help neutralize gastric acid.

2. Change your sleeping position and elevate your body appropriately. Use extra pillows or wedge cushions to elevate your upper body when sleeping at night. Raise the head of the bed by 15-20 centimeters to elevate the upper body by 10-15 degrees, which can effectively reduce esophageal reflux. However, it is not advisable to rely on raising the pillow to elevate the entire upper body, as this may cause a bend between the esophagus and the stomach, affecting the smooth flow of food into the stomach and worsening esophageal reflux and heartburn.

3. Wear loose and comfortable clothes that do not compress the gastrointestinal motility. To reduce esophageal reflux, pregnant women should wear loose clothes that do not constrict the waist and abdomen. Maintain regular bowel movements, actively prevent and treat respiratory infections, and avoid increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

4. Stay away from smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking can not only lead to many serious health problems but also increase gastric acid secretion. Women who smoke should quit before pregnancy. If you don't smoke, also advise your husband, family members, etc., not to smoke during your pregnancy.

5. Consider taking medication to relieve gastric acid when symptoms are severe. Non-prescription antacids containing magnesium or calcium can help alleviate discomfort in the stomach. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Do not take medication on your own without being certain, as using the wrong medication can be harmful to your health and fetal development.