Everything you need to know about dealing with acid reflux during pregnancy.
Discloser: I am not a trained health professional. All articles are based on my own experience and opinions. Please consult with a health professional before making lifestyle changes.
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Acid reflux during pregnancy can only add to your level of discomfort. Unfortunately, you can’t always treat it with the same natural methods while you’re pregnant. However, there are a lot of things you can do to try and prevent acid reflux and treat its symptoms.
What causes acid reflux in pregnancy?
Acid reflux in pregnancy is actually pretty common.
It’s caused mainly by the hormone changes your body is experiencing and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.
You may experience acid reflux at any point in your pregnancy but it’s much more common after 27 weeks.
Symptoms of acid reflux in pregnancy
Acid reflux symptoms during pregnancy are similar to regular acid reflux symptoms. Here are a few things you may notice:
- A burning sensation or pain in the chest
- Feeling bloated
- Burping
- Regurgitation (food coming back up your throat and into your mouth)
- Feeling these symptoms after eating
What helps acid reflux during pregnancy
I usually recommend a list of natural treatments for acid reflux including supplements. However, while you’re pregnant you’ll mainly want to try these strategies for dealing with acid reflux.
- Eating acid reflux friendly foods
When you’re pregnant you may be craving foods that are higher in fat and sugar, typically known to trigger acid reflux. By trying to follow an acid reflux friendly meal plan most of the time or simply focusing on acid reflux friendly foods you can lessen the chances of experiencing acid reflux. You’ll want to check out this list of foods that cause acid reflux and do your best to avoid them.
- Eat smaller meals more often
Don’t be afraid to snack! Keep some acid reflux-friendly snacks around to grab during the day. Instead of having 3 large meals throughout the day try to break it up into 5-6 small meals.
- Don’t eat 2-3 hours before bed
Eating right before you lay down may cause even more acid reflux. Try to finish eating 2-3 hours before you go to bed and don’t eat right before a nap.
- Keep Upright
Do your best to sit up straight when you eat and avoid bending over too often. You may also want to prop your head up while you sleep.
Supplements to take
I usually recommend taking slippery elm for acid reflux, but it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
You can ask your doctor for an antacid recommendation to help you manage your symptoms during pregnancy. If your acid reflux lasts beyond your pregnancy then you can try these natural remedies for getting rid of acid reflux.
When to see a doctor
You should always bring up your acid reflux to your midwife or doctor during your regular appointments, but if you experience any of these things between appointments you should contact your doctor:
- Difficulty eating or keeping food down
- Weight loss
- Stomach pains