How Can I Manage Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Do you skip foods and drinks that can make the situation worse, such as citrus fruits; spicy, fatty (especially fried or fatty) foods; caffeine; and carbonated beverages?

Do you eat several small meals during the day instead of one or two large meals?

Do you eat slowly, without haste?

Do you drink fluids between meals, not during meals?

Do you avoid eating or drinking 3 hours before bed?

Do you avoid lying down after a meal?

Do you raise your head when you sleep?

Do you chew sugar-free chewing gum after a meal, take a few almonds, or drink a glass of almond milk?

Do you eat fresh, dried or freeze-dried papaya to relieve heartburn?

Are you taking anti-heartburn medications prescribed by your doctor?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn is common during pregnancy, and you should start by skipping foods and drinks that you know cause heartburn. Avoid large meals as well, but instead eat a few small meals during the day. Do not eat just before going to bed because heartburn can be worse at night. If you often have heartburn during the night, it can help if you sleep with your head raised. Also, in some cases, eating fresh or dried papaya can alleviate the symptoms of heartburn.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn during pregnancy is the result of hormonal changes that lead to the relaxation of the muscles at the entrance to your stomach, which should act as a valve and close the stomach after the food arrives from the esophagus. Try chewing sugar-free chewing gum about half an hour after a meal. This will increase the production of saliva, which can neutralize the excess acid in your esophagus. Almonds have a similar effect. You can eat a few almonds after each meal, or drink a glass of almond milk.