| If you have been, or currently are pregnant, then you | | | | This is not the only cause though; there is another big |
| most likely know all about that dreaded heartburn that | | | | reason for heartburn. Your uterus is growing every |
| seems to go along with it. You know, the almost daily | | | | week and it needs extra space. So it is pressing |
| heartburn and indigestion that seems to come on you | | | | against your stomach forcing it to move upwards |
| at the drop of a hat. So, what can you do to prevent it | | | | toward your esophagus. |
| or at least slow it down? Here's a look. | | | | Tips to help reduce the symptoms |
| I don't believe I've ever met one other woman who | | | | One of the first things you will want to do is to eat |
| could tell me that they went their full term without ever | | | | more frequent and much smaller meals during the day. |
| experiencing heartburn. I know that is not really what | | | | Put away the idea of 3 meals a day and make it 5-6 |
| you want to hear, but it is the truth. But the good news | | | | much smaller meals. |
| is that you can take a few simple steps to at least | | | | Eliminate the real spicy or fatty foods. |
| slow it down a little. | | | | Wear loose fitting clothing. Tight jeans just make things |
| Why does heartburn happen during a pregnancy | | | | worse. |
| anyway? | | | | Try and avoid bending over too much. If you have to |
| The causes behind it are pretty simple. During the early | | | | bend down to pick something up you should try to |
| portion of your pregnancy your body is producing a lot | | | | bend your knees and use them rather than just |
| of progesterone and estrogen. What this does is it | | | | bending over. |
| relaxes your muscles and makes digestion happen | | | | Finally, if you haven't already done so, avoid the alcohol |
| much more slowly than when you are not pregnant. | | | | and cigarettes. |
| This in turn causes those feelings of bloating and then | | | | These simple tips alone will go a long way in reducing |
| the onset of heartburn and indigestion. | | | | the heartburn during pregnancy, but if it still persists and |
| The reason for the slowdown is to actually help your | | | | is constant...talk to your doctor. They may be able to |
| growing baby get more of the nutrients from your | | | | put you on an antacid tablet or some other form of |
| food as it is absorbed into your blood. | | | | medication if it is severe enough. |