How to relieve heartburn during late pregnancy

In our lives, many women will experience some pregnancy reactions after they become pregnant. The most common pregnancy reaction is heartburn. After women experience pregnancy reactions, most of them will affect their appetite, which will cause the baby in the body to have no source of nutrition. It is likely to cause malnutrition to the baby, so it must be relieved. So how to relieve heartburn in the late pregnancy?

What is heartburn in late pregnancy?

Heartburn is also called acid reflux or stomach acid. During pregnancy, the placenta secretes progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, but this hormone also loosens the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach (also called the cardia), causing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and produce a burning sensation. At the same time, progesterone also slows down the wave-like contractions of the esophagus and intestines, slowing down digestion. The growing baby will also squeeze the expectant mother's abdominal cavity, "pushing" stomach acid back into the esophagus, causing the pregnant mother to feel heartburn.

How to relieve heartburn during late pregnancy?

Although heartburn is very common and will not cause major harm, it can make you feel very uncomfortable. Is there any good way to relieve this discomfort? The housekeeper recommends 6 tips that you can let expectant mothers try.

1. Eat small meals frequently to reduce the burden on the stomach and avoid overeating. The more food in the stomach, the easier it is for it to reflux into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

2. Avoid eating foods and beverages that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, usually including: carbonated drinks, alcohol (in any case, you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy), coffee, chocolate, acidic foods (including citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, etc.), cooked meats, mint foods, spicy, strong-flavored, fried or high-fat foods.

3. Eat less spicy, overly cold or overheated foods, as they will irritate the esophageal mucosa and aggravate heartburn.

4. Don’t lie down immediately after a meal. You can stand for a while first. This will help speed up the passage of food through the stomach and reduce the burden on the stomach.

5. You can drink some milk before meals, because dairy products can form a protective film on the stomach wall to help relieve the burning sensation.

6. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Clothes that are too tight will squeeze your waist and abdomen.