Natural Ways to Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom because the growing uterus places pressure against the other organs, including the stomach, forcing them up. This can cause acid reflux in many mothers. The hormone progesterone also causes the valve in the esophagus to relax and allow some stomach acid through. Try some of these remedies for preventing and relieving heartburn.

An EMT friend of mine gave me the advice to swallow a shot of apple cider vinegar to combat heartburn. The acidity of the vinegar causes your stomach to produce less acid which may help.

If your heartburn occurs mainly at night, try sleeping with pillows to prop you up in a reclining position. You can also use risers to elevate your bed or place a wedge under your upper torso.

Eat foods that are gentle on your stomach and avoid foods that commonly cause heartburn such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, and caffeine.

Avoid clothing that is tight around your waist.

Do not go to sleep right after eating a large meal. Wait a couple of hours first. Graze on food throughout the day and avoid becoming too full after eating.

Drink between meals and try to avoid drinking much while you are eating.

Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and tomato sauce, and citrus fruits. Get plenty of calcium and sip your water rather than drinking large amounts at one time.

Avoid spicy foods or foods that are heavily seasoned.

Avoid becoming overweight while you are pregnant.

Lower your Vitamin C intake, but only if you are consuming larger amounts than necessary.

Try chewing some gum. Gum chewing helps to produce saliva which combats the acidity of stomach acid.

Stress can increase the likelihood of heartburn. Be sure to take time out each day to relax or meditate if it helps. Remove yourself from negative or stressful situations.

Papaya helps some women with heartburn and it also helps with digestion and may help with morning sickness. Papaya can be eaten raw or dried or you can buy papaya tablets or papaya enzyme in pill form.

For serious heartburn that does not respond to treatments, see a healthcare professional. Frequent heartburn can permanently damage your esophagus.