Pregnancy is not at all a simple period in a woman’s life. In addition to joyful sensations, a number of difficulties arise that can overshadow the wonderful time of bearing a child. Heartburn during pregnancy in the later stages is one of them. About 85% of pregnant women suffer from it.
Reason for occurrence
Heartburn during pregnancy can be triggered by several circumstances. It should be noted that the causes of the occurrence in the early and late stages are quite different. At the very beginning of pregnancy, it can become one of the signs that will help determine the "interesting" state. Due to the fact that the body increases the level of progesterone, the muscles lose their previous tone, relax. There is a sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, and if it does not perform its functions, then acid from the stomach enters the esophagus. Heartburn during pregnancy in the later stages occurs not only due to muscle relaxation, but also due to an increase in the uterus. Changing its size, it presses on the internal organs, the diaphragm is compressed. This provokes discomfort.
Symptoms
Recognizing heartburn is easy enough. There is usually a burning sensation behind the sternum, and a sensation of acid may be present in the mouth. The intensity of heartburn can be different: from a fairly mild form to intense burning throughout the esophagus. The nature of the food significantly affects this condition, usually the discomfort increases after eating. The supine position exacerbates the condition.
It is very important to take measures to eliminate this problem. Although it does not affect the condition of the baby, but still heartburn during pregnancy in the later stages, especially if the attacks are long, can change the condition of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. Hydrochloric acid adversely affects tissues, corrodes them, and this will bring big health problems after the birth of a baby. Therefore, it is necessary to use the remedies for heartburn during pregnancy in the early and late stages. Today it can be both folk remedies and therapeutic drugs. They are rarely prescribed, only if traditional medicine does not help, and the condition is quite serious. Pay attention to bad habits. Smoking, which is already harmful, not only during pregnancy, only exacerbates the symptoms of heartburn.
Heartburn during pregnancy: causes, treatment. What to do?
First of all, you need to tell the doctor about the existence of such a problem. Only he will recommend how to act. There are drugs that a pregnant woman can use without harm to the baby. Most often, the doctor recommends simple methods that help to avoid such a thing as heartburn during pregnancy. In the later stages, some of them will not be as effective. It is worth eating in small portions 5-6 times. In this case, it is better to abandon fried, smoked, spicy food. Indispensable help in the fight against heartburn will be porridge. Eggs and dishes from them are not only a source of protein, but also a means of preventing the occurrence of burning. Three hours before bedtime, stop eating. It neutralizes the action of hydrochloric acid in a good way. It can be consumed throughout the day. It is worth giving up coffee, alcoholic beverages, as they relax the sphincter.
Prevention of occurrence
It is best to sleep with a pillow under the shoulders and head. This will make it difficult for acid to reach the throat. Tight clothing can also become a factor provoking heartburn, as it tightly fits the body. Important and correct posture. Do not make any kind of sharp movements, lean heavily. Hazelnuts, almonds will also be great helpers. Another good option is the use of jelly. Well, and most importantly, it is important to avoid stress and not get upset over trifles. Nervous disorders will hamper the effectiveness of treating heartburn. Therefore, if stress cannot be avoided, it is better to take special sedatives that a doctor can prescribe for pregnant women. It is these 10 proven ways to combat heartburn during pregnancy (nutrition, behavior) that will help alleviate, or even avoid its occurrence.
Burning soda
One quick way to relieve a fire in the esophagus is to take a solution of soda. Reacting with the acid that is in the stomach, baking soda turns into carbonic acid, it also decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. It irritates the walls of the digestive organ. This method is fraught with danger. Although the symptoms quickly disappear, the next time the attack will be only stronger. There is a so-called recoil effect, and acid from the stomach will be produced more strongly. Moreover, if you often use such a tool, the acid-base balance may be disturbed. Pressure rises, swelling often occurs. Therefore, such treatment is especially not recommended for pregnant women. Only a single admission is allowed if other ways to alleviate the condition are simply not available.
Folk therapy
Heartburn during pregnancy in the later lines (and the early ones too) lends itself well to treatment with folk remedies. Buckwheat porridge is a popular remedy, you can use it at least every day. Barley grains also help. You need to chew them well, the symptoms will disappear in a few minutes. To protect the walls of the stomach from the harmful effects of acid, you can take a tablespoon of olive oil. It will help to reduce the acidity of the stomach half a glass of warm water drunk on an empty stomach. Many women bite seeds, almonds.
Potato juice for heartburn
Widely used and potato juice. It contains many useful trace elements, proteins, fiber, pectin, and iron. To prepare it, grate fresh potatoes, then strain it. Drink juice on an empty stomach and at bedtime, 200 ml per day. You can also add a little honey to it. This juice significantly reduces the acidity of the stomach. After the symptoms of heartburn disappear, you can continue to take potato juice, but the dose should be reduced to 50 ml. Contraindications are varicose veins, diabetes.
Herbal infusions
It relieves the symptoms of heartburn
calamus root. It needs to be crushed into powder, drink a small amount (literally on the tip of a knife) and drink with water. In small doses, this powder has no restrictions. Flaxseed infusion is also effective. About 2 tablespoons are poured with boiling water and infused for several hours. It is advisable to use the product warm, slightly warmed up. You can insist in a thermos.
Marshmallow herb quite well copes with the burning problem in the esophagus. 20 grams of raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water. Take the infusion 5 times a day, one tablespoon. There are practically no contraindications, the only thing is hypotension.
Infusion of centaury is also a fairly effective remedy. 1 teaspoon pour 2 cups boiling water and insist half an hour. It is recommended to take such an infusion for 2 months, 100 ml per hour and a half before eating.
Herbal teas are a pleasant and effective way to combat a condition such as heartburn during pregnancy. Natural remedies, such as a mixture of anise, caraway seeds and dill, perfectly neutralize acid. Mint tea with the addition of currant or viburnum leaves with regular use will relieve unpleasant sensations. Use and fees for heartburn. One of them is St. John's wort, chamomile, and plantain leaves. Nevertheless, before taking any herbal mixtures, it is recommended to consult a doctor. After all, even herbs can harm a pregnant woman and an unborn baby.
Signs associated with heartburn and pregnancy
Above has already been considered how manifest heartburn during pregnancy, causes, treatment. The signs that exist among the people are also associated with this condition. One of the most famous is this: if a woman suffers from heartburn, then the baby will be born with hair. However, it has no reason. Of course, the time when there is heartburn during pregnancy in the late lines, coincides with the period of hair growth in the child. But somehow they certainly cannot irritate the walls of the stomach and esophagus. After all, often the baby is already head down. In addition, the walls of the uterus and amniotic fluid reliably protect against any contact. The only thing that is possible is that with an increase in the size of the child, his pressure on the internal organs and the diaphragm also increases. This provokes the release of hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Hence the uncomfortable sensations.
Another popular belief: a child whose mother suffered from heartburn will have a rather complex character. This condition certainly has nothing to do with the nature of the baby. Indeed, they often talk about this after pregnancy, when the baby is big enough.