Pregnancy can be a time of joy, but it can also be a time of many physical discomforts, including heartburn. While the occasional bout of heartburn can usually be managed with over-the-counter antacids, pregnant women may be looking for more natural or home remedies to manage their discomfort. Fortunately, there are several home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy that may offer relief without the risk of harmful side effects. In this blog post, we’ll explore several home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy, taking into account both the safety of the mother and the fetus. We’ll also discuss when it’s necessary to consult a doctor and explain how you can prevent heartburn in the future. By the end of the post, expectant mothers should have a plan to find relief from the discomfort caused by heartburn.
Natural Ways to Relieve Pregnancy Heartburn
Since hormones and the development of the unborn child are normal and desired aspects of pregnancy, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent the organic causes of heartburn during pregnancy. So what can you do?.
The good news is that most pregnant women who have healthy, normal pregnancies can take simple, practical steps to relieve heartburn naturally. These include:
Drink throughout the day and an hour before meals by combining 1 teaspoon of vinegar with 8 ounces of water, increasing the amount until 1 tablespoon is used.
Although it seems strange to consider drinking vinegar when your chest is burning, heartburn is actually caused by low stomach acid. This works because it increases the acids, resulting in relief. Make sure the vinegar is raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Bonus points for an amber bottle.
1-2 fresh lemons should be squeezed into at least 8 ounces of water. Add stevia or raw honey. Heat for tea or leave water cold for lemonade/juice.
Lemon juice increases the production of bile and digestive juices, which improves digestion and balances low stomach acids.
Choose unsweetened coconut water or try this coconut water smoothie.
Electrolytes and alkaline minerals like potassium are abundant in coconut water. As a result, it encourages pH balance and serves as a fantastic natural acid neutralizer.
Drink lots of water, but not all at once. Taking in a lot of water at once actually raises your risk of developing heartburn, especially if your baby is larger and pushing your stomach up. Instead, sip water all day long. Consistent water consumption hydrates and keeps things moving through, which will lessen heartburn.
I relied heavily on sugar-free peppermint lozenges and peppermint tea, which both significantly reduce heartburn.
Yogurt or a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. Although some claim that over time, cow’s milk can make heartburn worse, it may provide immediate relief. Try nut milk, rice milk, or goat’s milk as alternatives.
Some people report that warming some milk and adding some honey to it helps to relieve their chest pain.
Fermented foods like raw sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are even more potent because they are teeming with enzymes and beneficial bacteria that can support healthy digestion and reduce heartburn during pregnancy. These should be consumed in particular moderation before bed or when consuming a high-protein meal.
8 ounces of water or less and 1 to 2 teaspoons of bentonite clay should be combined. When taking clay, it’s crucial to drink lots of water to facilitate its passage through the body.
Alkalizing bentonite clay absorbs excess acids, toxins, hormones, and other substances. Our bodies don’t actually absorb or assimilate the clay. Pregnancy morning sickness and heartburn are lessened as it simply moves through, taking the imbalances with it.
The live plant’s leaves can be used to obtain this all-natural remedy. The gel is additionally available at a health food store. Topically, apply gel on chest, throat, and abdomen.
Inflammation is successfully treated by aloe vera, which also lessens pregnancy heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Eat 1 grapefruit after each meal.
Given that grapefruits are notoriously acidic, it may seem counterintuitive, but this fruit significantly increases bile production. Once grapefruit is digested, it becomes alkaline. High alkaline foods are good for digestion, flatulence, and bloating.
Add five to ten drops to eight ounces of water.
Since ancient times, people have used digestive bitters to help with digestion, and current research backs up the idea that bitters increase the flow of digestive juices like HCL, pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and gastrin. Try these.
Please be aware that the HCL/Pepsin supplement contains pork if you follow a Kosher or vegetarian diet.
Chew gum after each meal for 10 minutes.
Gum chewing increases saliva production, which reduces heartburn symptoms in pregnant women by neutralizing stomach acids. Just be careful not to chew for too long as this can exacerbate acid reflux.
Some homeopathic remedies are extremely effective natural antacids. For instance, Nat Phos aids in neutralizing acids and restoring the pH balance in your body.
Though clinical research is limited, one study suggests dandelion root contains antimicrobial compounds that may aid digestion. Another study touts the plant as a prebiotic that encourages the growth of good gut bacteria. It’s worth a shot. Try this one.
Put 2 to 3 organic beets that have been peeled and chopped into a container. adding 2 quarts of filtered water and 4 teaspoons of sea salt to the top Cover and let sit for two days.
The probiotics in this Russian fermented drink, which is made from beets, salt, and filtered water, can aid your body in breaking down certain enzymes that it might otherwise find difficult to digest. Additionally, it aids in liver and kidney cleansing, which enhances digestion and lessens heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.
Papaya, pineapple, avocados, and bananas all contain naturally-occurring enzymes that helps us break down our food. Some mamas swear by papaya enzymes, but keep in mind they haven’t been studied enough and are, therefore, not recommended during pregnancy. Green papaya can also lead to premature labor.
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Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help you lessen or get rid of your symptoms if heartburn is making your pregnancy more uncomfortable.
Pregnancy heartburn can be extremely painful. Unfortunately, many of the conventional remedies call for taking pills and other medications, which you probably don’t want to do while your baby is still a baby. Luckily, natural heartburn remedies can provide heartburn relief.
PLEASE NOTE: Consult a doctor right away if you experience persistent or severe heartburn during pregnancy.
Natural heartburn remedies will typically provide a noticeable relief for healthy women having typical pregnancies. However, there are definitely exceptions to this rule. Some women’s pregnancy heartburn persists for long period of time. Other women experience severe, debilitating pain.
Breathing difficulties, jaw and arm pain, and severe chest pain can all result from either situation. As previously mentioned, it is crucial to speak with your doctor or midwife right away if you experience any of these.
Remember to take some time for yourself. You can easily calm your nerves and relieve heartburn by taking a moment to unwind and think.
The benefits of staying hydrated for your body are numerous, not the least of which is a decrease in heartburn. But, don’t just gulp it down!.
The likelihood of experiencing heartburn can actually increase if you consume a lot of water all at once. This is because it may swell your digestive tract, which could lead to the liquid escaping through your esophagus and back into your mouth. It is better to sip water throughout the day.
Lemon is one of Mother Nature’s miracle fruits. The juice is understood to increase bile and digestive juice production. This promotes digestion and not just maintains a healthy balance of stomach acid.
Simply squeeze a couple of wedges of lemon into an 8-ounce glass of water for an immediate solution. Add some honey to the mixture to make it more tolerable. Heat for a homemade tea or serve as homemade lemonade over ice.
Another effective remedy for easing acid reflux and preventing pregnancy heartburn is peppermint. Consider sucking on sugar-free peppermints or sipping on peppermint tea.
Like lemon, apple cider vinegar has many uses, including alleviating heartburn naturally. Contrary to what you might think, having low stomach acid can actually cause acid reflux and heartburn.
To balance the acidity in your stomach, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to an 8-ounce glass of water.
In addition to adding flavor to food, ginger can ease stomach discomfort. Ginger chews and pills are available over-the-counter. As an alternative, you could thinly slice fresh ginger and steep it for 5–10 minutes in hot water. But always consume ginger in moderation when you are pregnant. High doses consumed frequently can sometimes lead to contractions.
Another fantastic method for reducing stomach acid is coconut water. If you’re not accustomed to eating coconut, consume it sparingly. It can lead to irregular bowel movements.
Aloe vera can provide relief for pregnancy heartburn in the same way that it does for a burning sunburn. To help reduce inflammation, just apply the gel to your chest and throat.
Pickle juice is another potent liquid that can help balance your stomach’s acid levels and improve digestion. It contains healthy enzymes and a high level of acid.
There are some women who experience excessive stomach acid, though it is uncommon. If all other natural remedies for heartburn don’t work, try combining water and 1/8 of a teaspoon of baking soda. Sip slowly. This could help neutralize an overabundance of acid.
Once your symptoms have subsided, watch out for a recurrence of your pregnancy heartburn. To prevent additional pain and discomfort, use these natural heartburn prevention strategies.
A balanced diet can assist you in preventing heartburn from ever happening.
Can You Take Antacids During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women who experience acid reflux are permitted to take antacids that are available over-the-counter in both liquid and chewable form. For women, calcium carbonate-based antacids like Tums are a secure alternative. Magnesium oxide and hydroxide-containing antacids are also beneficial options; they typically come in liquid form.
Antacids with high sodium, aluminum, and aspirin content should be avoided because they aren’t recommended for pregnant women.
Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. Ask your doctor for stronger medication, such as acid reducers, if you find that your antacids aren’t working. Instead of neutralizing existing acid, this type of medication stops the majority of acid production.