Pregnancy causes significant and substantial changes in a womans body. Most of the changes are viewed as positive and exciting. Some of the changes may cause discomfort such as acid reflux and nausea.
Pregnancy triggers a lot of hormonal changes very quickly. Hormones will change the womans body chemistry, which requires the rest of the body to adapt to the changes. Hormones can also cause additional stomach acid to produce, causing acid reflux.
acid reflux is uncomfortable, no matter who you are. There is a huge selection of over the counter acid treating and eliminating products available, but they are all intended for temporary or intermittent use.
As the pregnancy progresses, the nutritional needs for mom and baby will also change. Consuming more food or different combinations of food can trigger acid reflux. As the baby continues to grow, it puts increasing pressure on the stomach. This is often the cause of escalating acid reflux symptoms. Treating the reflux as it occurs and eating foods low in acid will help reduce the symptoms.
Unfortunately, pregnancy and acid reflux are very common. Scientific studies have shown that antacids (taken as prescribed) will not cause harm to the fetus in any way. Many are high in sodium, so take that into account before making your purchase.
One of the best ways to combat acid reflux while pregnant is to avoid foods that contain a lot of acid. Citrus fruit and juices are very acidic and can trigger acid reflux symptoms. Eating more frequent and smaller meals allows the body to get its needed nutrition while not straining the digestion process. Almost all pregnant women consume more food than they would normally so smart food choices will benefit mom and baby both.
The human body is not built to take in large amounts of food at one time. The body works best when it receives a regular supplement of nutrients, which come in the form of food. Eating more frequent and smaller meals allows the body to digest the food properly. This also provides a great opportunity for pregnant women to inject healthy foods into their diet.
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to reduce acid reflux during pregnancy. Gentle liquids like milk and even water can eliminate acid reflux. Orange juice, cranberry juice and pomegranate juice are wonderful for the body but can trigger severe acid reflux. Cutting these juices with water helps, as does reducing the quantity consumed.
Lying horizontally often triggers acid reflux. Even just a few inches of elevation will make all the difference. Unfortunately, pregnancy and acid reflux go hand in hand. Talk to your doctor about how to treat the acid reflux, and ways to prevent it. You may not be able to eliminate it altogether, but managing it properly will make the pregnancy much more comfortable!
