Acidity during pregnancy is a very common problem, which occurs by the effect of the hormone progesterone, which causes the relaxation of the muscles of the body to allow the growth of the uterus, but also relaxes the muscle valve that closes the stomach.
As the stomach can no longer close completely, its contents can return to the esophagus and acidity appears. Discover some home remedies to get rid of heartburn faster.
For example, to reduce heartburn during pregnancy, there are 5 simple but essential tips to follow daily:
Eating small meals is important to keep your stomach from getting too full, making it easier for food and gastric juice to return to your esophagus. This is even more important at the end of pregnancy, when the size of the uterus increases considerably and tightens all other organs of the abdomen, leaving little room for the stomach to support large volumes during meals.
Drinking fluids during meals leaves the stomach fuller and more relaxed, making it difficult to close the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle responsible for preventing the return of stomach acid to the throat.
Therefore, it is necessary to drink liquids 30 minutes before or after meals, so that there is not a large buildup in the stomach.
Caffeine stimulates gastric movements, favoring the release of gastric juice and stomach movement, which can trigger the burning sensation of acidity, especially when the stomach is previously empty. For example, caffeine-rich foods such as coffee, cola soft drinks, matte, green tea and black tea should be avoided.
Foods that are already spicy, such as pepper, mustard and chopped spices, can cause stomach irritation and inflammation, worsening heartburn symptoms.
Avoiding eating at least 2 hours before bed ensures that the digestion of the last meal is complete at bedtime. This is important because when you’re lying down, there’s an easier way for food to return to your esophagus and cause heartburn.
In addition, it is important to sit upright after meals, so that the large belly does not press the stomach, forcing food into the esophagus.
Eating natural yogurt at least once a day, as well as vegetables, fruits and whole grains at main meals are measures that help digestion and improve intestinal flora. With light, easy-to-digest foods, intestinal transit is faster and the risk of heartburn is lower.
In the following table, you’ll find a 3-day menu example that includes some of the tips listed above:
If heartburn and burning continue to occur even with adequate nutrition and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, it is recommended to go to your doctor for an evaluation and possibly use the appropriate medication.