How to prevent heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnancy - the prelude to the beginning of one of the most exciting chapters in the life of every woman. However, pregnancy - is not only the joy and anticipation, but also physical changes often associated with the emergence of a number of health problems. One of the most common such problems - heartburn that occurs during pregnancy have very many women.

What is heartburn

Heartburn - a burning sensation in the throat and chest, experienced by a pregnant woman. As a general rule, during pregnancy heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or as it is more commonly called acid reflux.

It is important to understand that while heartburn and causes considerable discomfort for the pregnant women, the total course of pregnancy and fetal development, it is not affected.

Symptoms of heartburn

The intensity level of discomfort sensations and heartburn vary depending on the person. In some women, the main symptoms of heartburn, in addition to the typical burning sensation in the chest, are indigestion and gas. Sometimes the pain is occurring in the chest and spreads to the neck and throat area - often after ingestion of food. In addition, among the most common symptoms - sore throat, hoarseness. In particularly severe cases of heartburn have difficulty swallowing food, a woman can not lie straight.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, the hormones produced by the additional operating function of creating a favorable environment for the development of the fetus. However, in some cases, excessive secretion of such a negative impact on the digestive system.

Certain hormones - such as estrogen, progesterone and relaxin - soften stomach muscles, making them more pliable, whereby stomach acid enters the esophagus and throat. Consequently arises heartburn. In the normal state during digestion stomach muscles work like a valve, letting food and avoiding acid back into the throat.

High levels of hormones affects the time it takes for the body to full digestion. The muscular contractions that help food to pass through the esophagus, slowing down as a side effect of hormonal secretion. As a result of the digestive process and the breakdown of food it takes more time, leading to indigestion and heartburn.

Physical changes: in addition to hormonal changes, physical changes in the body of the pregnant women also give rise to heartburn. Gradual development increases the fetus increases the pressure on the internal organs - and as a result even small displacement can cause heartburn.

When heartburn occurs

Unlike many disorders, the appearance of which depends on the duration of pregnancy, heartburn can occur in any pregnancy. Some women suffer from heartburn in the first trimester of pregnancy, but the majority is experiencing discomfort in the late stages of pregnancy - is associated with the development of the fetus.

Treatment of heartburn during pregnancy

Gynecologists different countries recommend avoiding the use of OTC medicines to relieve and cure heartburn. Antacid used to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux in normal cases, pregnant women may be taken only after consulting a doctor, because most of these products contains magnesium that can affect fetal development.

Furthermore, the development of the fetus can damage antacids containing sodium bicarbonate. These drugs increase the body's ability to mother and child to fluid retention, which may adversely affect the growth of the fetus. Proton pump inhibitors (a class of medications available only by prescription) are prescribed by a physician in severe cases and only to those women for whom other treatments have been ineffective heartburn.

To avoid discomfort caused by heartburn during pregnancy, you need to take care of their health and to follow a few basic rules that can prevent or at least minimize the heartburn symptoms. Proper diet, regular exercise and correct posture not only prevent heartburn, but also improve the overall tone of the body during pregnancy.

Dietary

• Divide all the food consumed throughout the day, many small portions.
• Supper need at least two hours before bedtime. After the meal you can not go to - you need to give your body some time to digest the food.
• Some of the products that increase the risk of heartburn - mustard, orange, chocolate, tomatoes, vinegar - best avoided.
• It is necessary to limit the consumption of spicy, spicy, fatty food.
• Avoid any caffeinated drinks Caffeine - enemy or friend?   - Energy, tea and coffee.
• From alcohol and smoking increases the risk of acid reflux Reflux: the failure of the esophagus   and heartburn, you need to completely abandon.
• Always follow the balanced diet and take nutritional supplements prescribed by a physician.
• Every day you must drink adequate amounts of fluid - but only between meals, not with meals.
    Exercises
• Excess weight gained during pregnancy increases the risk of heartburn.
• Some yoga exercises allow you to control weight and avoid heartburn. A number of poses in yoga Yoga - the way to preserve youth and health of skin   It stimulates circulation and provides a flow of fresh blood to the abdomen, which can reduce the symptoms of heartburn. However, special prenatal exercise should be practiced only under the supervision of a qualified trainer.
• Swimming and walking are also allow to control weight and reduce the risk of heartburn.

Posture

• Stoop, bad posture increases pressure on the stomach, which in turn leads to heartburn - that's why you must always sit up straight.
• Try to keep the spine in the straightened condition during walking or standing to avoid heartburn.
• It is best to avoid sleeping on your back on a flat surface - to lift the upper body, use the cushions. In addition, the well to sleep on your left side.
• Tight, tight clothing can put additional pressure on the uterus. During pregnancy, it is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

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