Avoiding pregnancy heartburns

Have you ever seen those fire performers that put fire sticks down their throat just for entertainment? A severe heartburn feels just like that, but there's nothing fun about it. It's as if hot lava is rising up your chest and throat, leaving a horrible taste in your mouth.

Heartburn can occur throughout the pregnancy, often from the 1st trimester itself, and then only intensifying there on.

What causes acidity during pregnancy

1. Hormones: Yes. Pregnancy hormones cause the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax thereby allowing stomach acids to rise up the chest through the oesophagus.

2. Making space for the baby: As the uterus grows making space for the foetus, the abdomen gets crowded, pushing the stomach fluids upwards. This becomes particularly evident in the 3rd trimester.

How to avoid acidity during pregnancy

1. Eat smaller portions but more often. As the abdomen size reduces, it becomes tougher for the body to digest larger portions of food. So instead of 3 large meals, try and aim for 6 mini-meals in the course of the day, with lunch being your main meal.

2. Eliminate trigger foods. Identify the foods/ ingredients that cause acidity and completely remove them from your diet. Usually fried, spicy and rich foods are the culprits, so try and avoid those.

3. Focus more on liquids like soups, juices, milkshakes as those tend to get digested and absorbed faster, and move more easily down the stomach. Chew solid food slowly until they are almost "liquefied".

4. Sip water throughout the day rather than at one go in large quantities. Consistent intake keeps flushing things through and hydrates the body. However avoid too much water during meals as this slows down the digestion process, thereby increasing the risk of acid reflux.

5. Sit uptight after eating. Do not directly lie down as this can push the stomach contents upwards.

6. Sleep smartly. Avoid eating at least 3 hours before sleeping. Keep the head of your bed slightly higher than the foot. Place extra pillows under your shoulders to avoid acids from travelling upwards. Sleep to your left to avoid the acids from an otherwise easy uphill travel.

7. Wear loose fitting clothing. Tight fitting clothes can increase the pressure on your abdomen.

A few home remedies to naturally relieve pregnancy heartburns

1. Fresh lemon in water mixed with honey can do wonders. Lemon juice increases the production of digestive juices and bile which helps balance low stomach acids and aids in digestion.

2. Coconut water can act as a great acid neutraliser. However some women experience discomfort from it, so test it out before making it a regular habit.

3. Fennel seeds ward of heartburns. They naturally soothe the digestive tract, reduce acid, and decrease inflammation. However excessive use can lead to contractions, therefore use in moderation.

4. Ginger tea. Again like fennel seeds, use in moderation.

5. 2-3 almonds after every meal. Make sure you chew them before swallowing. Almond milk also tends to be a great acid balancer. However, ensure that you are not allergic to them.

Most women with healthy, normal pregnancies will find easy, convenient, and effective measures to relieve heartburn discomfort naturally. However, if you find your pregnancy heartburn persists or seems very severe, consult your doctor for the same.