In all likelihood, women may not have experienced heartburn not until they are pregnant and in most cases this actually happens. First time mothers having heartburn is a discomforting feeling.
Heartburn is a digestive condition that is often described as that burning pain that runs from the stomach all the way to the chest and throat. The causes of this are numerous but in relation to pregnancy, it is because of the hormonal changes that the body undergoes. When a woman is pregnant, their placenta secretes progesterone, a type of hormone that helps relax the muscles in the uterus. This hormone also tends to relax the valve separating the esophagus and the stomach which in turn allows gastric acids to go back up the throat thus the heartburn sensation.
The hormone progesterone also reduces the normal contractions of the intestines and esophagus thus the indigestion. As the baby grows inside the woman’s womb, it tends to put pressure to the abdominal cavity forcing the stomach contents and acids up to the esophagus.
Heartburn usually starts at the second trimester of pregnancy and unfortunately this could continue until the baby’s born.
Heartburn Remedies
When one has heartburn instances are they will have this condition for their entire life however it does not mean that this indigestion problem cannot be reduced or prevented. The following are effective remedies that one can do.
Avoiding foods that can cause gastrointestinal distress can be your first step to reducing heartburn like spicy, fatty and fried foods, citrus foods, tomatoes, vinegar, mustard, sodas, coffee, chocolate, mint products, processed meats and others. Another is to not stuff your stomach of too much food, instead eat small quantities and also take time to chew food properly. Take a rest for 3 hours after meals just before you sleep. Gums may also be effective in reducing heartburn as this makes one secrete more saliva that could help neutralize acids.
Proper posture is also a good idea to practice like keeping your body at an elevated angle while you sleep, the pillows must be placed higher so that the stomach acids won’t easily creep up to the esophagus. Another is to use your knees when bending and not your waist. Staying in shape is also a good way to reduce heartburn. The clothes that you wear should be comfortable and not tight fitting so as not to put pressure on your tummy.
Unhealthy vices like smoking and drinking should be avoided, though this should already be a must because of obvious health reasons but other than that it could also trigger heartburn symptoms. Do not take any kind of medication without the consent of your attending physician.
Want to find out more about heartburn, then visit Emma Deangela’s site as she shares her experience on how to handle heartburn symptoms, and in just less than 2 months, get rid of heartburn.
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