Acidity or heartburn is a common problem faced by pregnant women with more than half the pregnant women reporting having experienced it at some time. Acidity is especially common during the second and third trimesters. Acidity or Heartburn or acid indigestion is a burning sensation experienced in the esophagus when stomach contents come back up (reflux) from the stomach.

Causes of acidity / heartburn:

Heartburn is caused by the physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta produces the hormone progesterone which works as a muscle relaxant and it relaxes the sphincter valve situated at the beginning of the stomach. This causes the contents of the stomach to escape into the esophagus. This results in heartburns. Also, in the second and third trimesters, the growing child occupies more space in the uterus which pushes the digestive tract upwards. This too results in heartburn.

Symptoms of heartburn:

• Frequent burping accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.
• Feeling of burning in the chest rising up from the breastbone towards the throat.
• A sour feeling in the stomach with a general disinclination towards food.
• Excessive saliva production.
• Chest pain or stomach pain in severe cases.

This common problem can be easily treated at home, so before reaching out for that bottle of medicine, head to your kitchen.

Also Read: Is It Safe To Get Waxed During Pregnancy?

#1. Yogurt:

Eat a bowl of cool yogurt to relieve heartburn. You could add a bit of salt or sugar according to your taste. In case you are lactose intolerant, you could try the lactose-free options available in any high-end supermarket.

#2. Cold milk:

Slowly sip on a glass of cold milk when you begin to experience heartburn. You could mix a spoonful of honey to improve the taste and to also improve your digestive powers.

#3. Aloe Vera Juice:

Aloe Vera is an excellent coolant which is not just used externally to reduce skin inflammation but aloe vera juice also cools down the stomach and provides heartburn relief. Remember, You should only use aloe vera juice that has been specifically prepared for consumption and follow the instructions carefully.

#4. Apples:

Apples work very well to neutralise the acid in your stomach. Even a single slice of apple can calm down acid production and reduce the burning sensation. Celery sticks and cucumber which also have a high water content work well to neutralise stomach acid.

#5. Bananas:

Bananas are pH neutral with a pH of 5.6 making them an ideal food to treat heartburn. Bananas help relieve acidity related discomfort because they will stick to the irritated esophageal lining and prevent the burning sensation in the throat.

Also Read: Is it safe to eat flaxseeds during pregnancy? Benefits and Side effects

#6. Fennel seeds:

Fennel seeds not just taste great but are excellent for treating acidity too. Just add 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds to boiling water, let it steep and drink the mixture for instant relief. You could also add a bit of sugar to this mixture for taste. Alternatively, you could also chew on a handful of fennel seeds for immediate relief from acidity.

#7. Coconut water:

Fresh Coconut water is a low-calorie beverage which is packed with nutrients and electrolytes and is an excellent coolant too. It is a natural acid neutraliser which can bring quick and instant relief from acidity.

#8. Ginger:

Ginger has always been known to be an excellent digestive aid. To relieve heartburn you could chew on a small piece of peeled and washed raw ginger. Alternatively, you could make ginger tea to provide relief from heartburn. To make ginger tea just steep half teaspoon of grated ginger in about 250 ml of hot water.

#9. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Even though it sounds like vinegar being an acid cannot cure heartburn, it actually works wonderfully to relieve heartburn. Just mix 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar with approx 250 ml of water and sip this either before meals or through the day. Just make sure the vinegar is raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.

Apart from these home remedies, you should also keep these in mind to avoid acidity:

• Avoid aerated drinks, excess caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, chocolates and fatty, spicy or fried foods as they can cause heartburn.
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
• Eat small meals instead of one large meal.
• Drink plenty of water between meals (not with meals). Water can help to wash excess acid that splashes into the esophagus.
• Do not eat right before bedtime. Eat your evening meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Do not wear constricted clothing. Choose loose, comfortable clothes.
• Iron supplements taken during pregnancy cause heartburn. If you are taking an iron supplement and suffering from acidity, speak to your doctor about changing the supplement.

Also Read: 11 Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Hospital for Delivery

When should you see a doctor for acidity?

• When you have severe heartburn accompanied by chest pain.
• When you have a fever, headache or vomiting with heartburn.
• When there is a change in the appearance or frequency of stools.
• When you have difficulty eating or swallowing.
• When your heartburn symptoms have not improved despite treatment or lifestyle changes.

The solution to Acidity or heartburn is probably in your own home. If anyone of these natural remedies does not bring you relief from heartburn during pregnancy doesn’t work, try another. Your body may respond better to certain remedies—everyone is different.

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