Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your digestive system may work more slowly. Your enlarging uterus crowds your stomach and may cause stomach acids to be pushed upward. Both of these things may lead to heartburn and intestinal gas, or indigestion.

Don't crowd your stomach. East several small, nourishing meals each day instead of three big ones. Relax and eat slowly. Try to enjoy your meals.

Avoid spicy, rich, or friend foods or others that tend to cause intestinal gas. You know best which foods disagree with you. Learn from your own mistakes and avoid them.

Don't lie down directly after eating. When you do lie down, lying on your right side may help the stomach to empty.

Use good posture. Give your stomach room to work. Try to find positions in which the pressure of your uterus on your stomach is minimized. Sitting in a straight chair, for example, may be better for you than slouching in one that might be very comfortable under different circumstances. You may find that propping yourself up on pillows allows you to sleep more comfortably.

Wear comfortable clothes that are loose at the waist and non-restrictive.

A very small amount of fatty food eaten fifteen to thirty minutes before a meal will stimulate digestion and cut down on stomach acid.

Antacids and bicarbonate of soda or baking soda may cause you to retain fluid and also may bind B vitamins. Avoid them if you can. The very temporary relief that these products cause may be followed by heartburn that's been worse than before.

If you feel you absolutely must take an antacid, try to take it at a time other than mealtime. Avoid products with aspirin, caffeine, or too much sodium. Some doctors suggest Tums, which is also a source of calcium as well as a safe antacid.