What to Know About Heartburn and Pregnancy

If you've ever been pregnant or known someone who has, then you known that besides the wonderful joy that a baby can bring it can also wreak havoc on one's body. While pregnant not only will you suffer from headaches and body aches, swollen ankles and a little bit of incontinence you're also likely to suffer from one of the worst disorders imaginable...heartburn!

Most people know that when you are pregnant your choices are limited to what types of medicine that you can take. Here are a few ideas to help remedy your heartburn woes.

Liquid Maalox

While there are several types of antacids on the market from time to time the medical community deems them inappropriate for pregnant women to take. For example in 1998 when I was pregnant with my daughter I was told not to take Rolaids. But in 2005 when I was pregnant with my son I was told that Rolaids were just fine and dandy for me to use to battle my heartburn.

Liquid Maalox is the one heartburn product that seemed to work the best when I was pregnant. Liquid Maalox is fast acting (you can actually feel the medicine coast your throat and stomach) with a cooling sensation that is a nice change from the burning sensation your stomach acid has left in your chest and throat.

While Maalox comes in a variety of flavors such as cherry or mint, no matter which flavor you choose Maalox is going to taste like a combination of milk and chalk. The taste is certainly easy to get by and the instant relief is well worth it. It should be noted that while Maalox offers and instant respite from pain the effects are not long lasting.

If Maalox doesn't work you can visit your doctor to request s prescription for an acid suppressant like Tagament or Pepcid. While you can buy these products over the counter at such stores as Wal-Mart and Target if pregnant you should talk to your doctor about these medicines first.

Remain Vertical

Standing up is one of the best defenses against heartburn. While this may seem obvious you would be surprise at how many people want to take it easy and lie down when they have a scorching case of heartburn. When lying down or even bending over you allow your stomach acid to travel northward more easily than you would if you remain standing. While you may not be able to stand for long periods of time while pregnant, sitting up as straight as possible will have a similar effect.

Prevention

Unfortunately the best way to get rid of heartburn is through medicine. But there are several ways to prevent the dreaded acid reflux. First and most importantly avoid spicy foods. This can be very difficult with pregnancy cravings. Secondly avoid chocolate and any foods or drinks that contain caffeine. Also cutting out citrus fruit can help curb heartburn flare ups.

While heartburn almost always goes hand in hand with pregnancy if you think ahead and talk with your doctor you may be able to find some real relief from this painful condition.