Heartburn in Pregnancy

Although annoying and painful, heartburn in pregnancy is one of the symptoms that many women experience during the first trimester, causing a burning sensation after eating. This is a common condition that is harmless but unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Heartburn is also know as acid reflux or acid indigestion, in which the burning sensation often extends from the bottom of your breastbone to the lower throat and esophagus and is the result of the natural and hormonal changes in your body as your pregnancy progresses.

Heartburn in pregnancy may be controlled with diet, avoiding eating foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, highly seasoned, fried, or spicy foods and chocolate, which are among the main heartburn triggers. Drinks containing caffeine or alcohol can also cause acid reflux.

Because there is no way to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy completely, the best advice is to avoid eating the following foods:

Orange juice, lemon, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato vegetables, mashed potatoes, onion, raw meat, ground beef, chuck, marbled sirloin, chicken nuggets, Buffalo wings, sour cream, cottage cheese, regular grains, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with sauce, salad dressing, creamy, salad dressing, and oil & vinegar.

Your avoidance list to prevent heartburn in pregnancy should also include snacks, sweets, deserts, such as butter cookie, high-fat, brownie, chocolate, doughnut, corn chips, French fries and potato chips, milk shake, ice cream, liquor, wine, coffee, decaffeinated or regular, and tea, regular or decaffeinated.

Additionally, make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid tightness around your stomach, bend at the knees instead of at your waist and always sit upright in a comfortable chair.

Also see: Heartburn during Pregnancy