Friday, November 28, 2008

How to Treat Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Why does a pregnant lady experience acid reflux during pregnancy? Pregnancy and acid reflux go hand in hand to some women, which occur because of the following acid reflux causes.

First, it's because of an increase of hormone production when the woman is gets pregnant. This will lead to softening of ligaments, which should keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) firmly closed, to keep the gastric acid and food from going up. But when the LES is over relaxed, this will let the gastric acid and food to reflux back to the esophagus and throat.

Second, acid reflux during pregnancy happens because the changes in the body and the development of the baby produce more pressure in the woman's stomach. Thus, the stomach contents are forced right into the LES, and then to the esophagus.

However, there are some methods that a pregnant woman can apply to diminish the discomfort brought by acid reflux. The following are good tips, although they may not get rid of the heartburn completely.

1. Don't eat food that triggers acid reflux. Examples of this are chocolates, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, mustard, tomatoes and tomato based products, fatty foods, fried foods, and highly seasoned dishes. Ask medical specialists to know the complete list of foods to avoid acid reflux and safe food that you may consume.

2. Get rid of drinks which contain caffeine, like tea, coffee, and soda. Too much of these can cause the LES to loosen and let the acid into the esophagus.

3. Stay away from alcoholic drinks. This, along with caffeine causes the LES to over rest, hence, producing the same effect - triggering off acid reflux.

4. Don't eat large meals. It is recommended that having some small meals throughout the day is better.

5. Don't be haste when eating your meals. Chewing food slowly will really help you keep off acid reflux, so better chew slowly.

6. Rest for at least three hours after taking your last meal before sleeping.

7. A pregnant woman is suggested to take at least 8 to 10 glasses each day, though this must be done not just during meals. Through this, the stomach will expand, and applying more pressure to the LES, obliging it to open inappropriately. Therefore, it is really recommended to drink more water and other fluids in between meals.

8. While sleeping elevate the head of the bed for at least six to eight inches. Try to sleep with an elevated head and shoulders through a wedge pillow. Through sleeping this way, the gravity will work very hard that it will hold the stomach acids in the stomach, not in the esophagus. Talk to a physician for more suggestions to avoid nighttime acid reflux.

9. Stay away from tight fitting apparel. Tightness around the waist and stomach will trigger acid reflux as it stimulates uneasiness.

10. When bending, do it at the knees, not at the waist. This will keep too much pressure from being applied in the stomach .

11. Don't slouch; rather sit erect in a relaxing chair.

12. Maintain a sensible reasonable body weight, because too much weight and fatness will give more stress in your stomach. As a result, this will force stomach contents throughout the LES and to the esophagus.

13. Avoid smoking. Doctors say smoking could bring several effects to a pregnant woman, including heartburn.

Acid reflux during pregnancy is a problem you can avoid if you know how. Apparently not all pregnant ladies encounter this condition, although pregnancy and acid reflux go together to a number of women.

Would you like to know the best natural acid reflux treatment? It's the ebook "Heartburn No More" by Jeff Martin, who has found a totally holistic way of curing acid reflux. This has helped thousands of other people get rid of their acid reflux forever, and you might, too. Read my review on it on my Acid Reflux Natural Cure lens.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juana_Cruz

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