This article was previously published on the Mama Goddess newsletter. Hope it helps – please feel free to add any remedies that worked for you!
Written By Dr. Gabrielle Steinberg, Dr.TCM, R.Ac, RHN from Harmony Wellness in Vancouver, BC
Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common, yet usually easily treatable condition with natural medicine.
Symptoms of heartburn include: burning sensation behind the breastbone, upper abdominal fullness or heaviness, chest pain, especially while lying down at night, sour taste in the mouth, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, sore throat, regurgitation of food or liquid, excessive gas or belching.
What are the causes of Heartburn during pregnancy?
• Hormones- During pregnancy your body releases hormones which relax the muscles in your body. This can cause the muscles that close of the upper stomach to relax, releasing gastric acid from your stomach into your esophagus, causing irritation.
• Eating acidic or greasy foods- Spicy, highly seasoned, fried food, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar, and mustard can contribute to acid stomach.
• Baby- Your growing baby puts pressure on your stomach, giving you less room. This can literally squeeze the contents of your stomach out
• Morning Sickness- The symptoms of morning sickness such as nausea and vomiting can also create heartburn.
What can be done to prevent Heartburn during pregnancy?
• Eat small, frequent meals- Eat little meals every few hours instead of big meals. This will keep you from over-filling your stomach.
• Chew Your Food Well- Chewing stimulates your salivary glands and helps digest your food better, faster and more completely. Saliva can act as a natural antacid. Even chewing gum after a meal can be helpful.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, tea, coffee, and carbonated beverages. Also chocolate, acidic foods like citrus, vinegar and tomatoes, raw onions and garlic, black pepper, processed meat and spicy or greasy foods. If you are going to consume acidic foods try adding a pinch of baking soda.
• Don’t lie down immediately after you eat.
• Wear loose fitting clothes.
• Walk around after you eat- walking and movement stimulate your digestive process.
• Bend at the knees instead of at the waist. Bending at the waist puts more pressure on your stomach.
• Sleep with your head propped up slightly Try placing 4-5 inch blocks or bricks under the foot of the head of your bed. This will incline your bed slightly and help keep the contents of your stomach inside your stomach.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage your stress. Try breathing deeply when your stress levels rise.
At Mama Goddess USA, we also started carrying the Heartburn Comfort by Mommy’s Bliss. The active ingredients in it are Calcium Carbonate (300 mg) and Magnesium Hydroxide (29 mg). These chewable (non-chalky) tablets provide fast-acting relief for heartburn during pregnancy, so it’s definitely handy to have around!
To learn more about the product, please visit this page and read the “description” and also the “extended information” tab for FAQ’s.
