| Acid reflux is a common problem for expectant | | | | several things you can do in order to alleviate the |
| mothers. For women who suffer from this problem, | | | | symptoms without causing any harm to the baby. |
| weeks or even months of restless sleep may lie | | | | Some of these include: |
| ahead. Fortunately, pregnant women can find relief | | | | - Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the |
| from acid reflux by gaining a better understanding of | | | | day rather than a couple large meals |
| what is taking place within their bodies and by seeking | | | | - Eat food slowly and completely rather than gobbling it |
| out natural reflux remedies. | | | | down |
| Understanding Acid Reflux During Pregnancy | | | | - Avoid eating rich, spicy and fatty foods, as these |
| While most expectant mothers do not suffer from | | | | foods tend to weaken the LES |
| acid reflux, it is a common phenomenon during | | | | - Drink less water while eating, as drinking large |
| pregnancy. For those that do suffer from this condition, | | | | amounts of water while eating can actually increase |
| symptoms generally start to develop during the | | | | acid reflux activity |
| second or third trimester because of the hormonal | | | | - Sit upright for an hour or more after eating |
| changes that occur. | | | | - Elevate your head and entire torso on a wedge |
| As hormonal levels change, they cause the Lower | | | | pillow that supports you on an even plane in order to |
| Esophageal Sphincter, or LES, muscles within the | | | | prevent stomach acid from rising |
| digestive tract to relax. As a result, the acid within the | | | | - Wear loose clothing in order to prevent placing |
| stomach is able to move into the esophagus. This | | | | unnecessary pressure on your abdomen |
| problem is further aggravated by the fact that | | | | If none of these methods help alleviate your acid reflux |
| pregnant women often become less tolerant of | | | | symptoms, you may need to talk to your doctor to |
| certain foods as well as because the uterus grows | | | | see if acid reducing medication is appropriate to help |
| larger throughout the pregnancy, which crowds the | | | | you get a better night's sleep. Be sure to discuss the |
| stomach and pushes the acid upward. For this reason, | | | | benefits versus the potential side effects, however, as |
| women who are pregnant with twins are at an even | | | | you certainly don't want to put your unborn child at risk. |
| greater risk of experiencing reflux. | | | | At the same time, dealing with a lack of sleep over a |
| Treatment for Acid Reflux in Pregnancy | | | | long period of time can place unnecessary stress on |
| The good news for expectant mothers is that the | | | | your body as well as on your child. Therefore, it is |
| symptoms associated with acid reflux generally go | | | | worth your while to explore all of your options in order |
| away within a couple weeks after giving birth. | | | | to select the treatment method that provides the best |
| Furthermore, until that joyous day occurs, there are | | | | rest and sleep for you as well as for your child. |