The main responsible of epigastric burning in pregnant women is progesterone hormone.
Myorerelaxant effect of this hormone causes to relaxing of stomach valve and led the content with gastric acid to direct into the esophagus. In addition to this pressure directed to the stomach increase because of the effect of growing womb, opening of this valve become easier. But there are safe and effective solutions to be ended this problem.
Obstetrician and Gynecologist and specialist on in vitro fertilization Op. Dr. Betül Görgen, informed about 11 recommendations for calming epigastric burning in pregnant women:
Eat less
If you have nausea, eating less would not be a problem, but if your appetite is increased be sure that it won’t be easy to eat less. If you want to be free from nausea you should eat 5 – 6 meals instead of 3 meals and decrease the amount of your food.
Be slow
Having snacks quickly causes both epigastric burning and digestive troubles. Try to be relaxed and enjoy what you are eating. It also avoids excessive eating.
Sip the liquids
Consume the liquids as water and milk after a while from meals. Consume the liquids by sipping while you are eating.
Don’t lay down after meals
A little walking after meals of some light house works or reading by sitting up straight would be a good choice. Do not lie down or repose.
Don’t eat before sleeping
An intense meal before sleeping invites epigastric burning. You should stop eating before 3 hours before sleeping. You should stop in taking liquids before one or two hours before sleeping.
While sleeping…
Your head should be higher than your chest. Wedge shaped pillows avoid leaking of epigastric acid to esophagus by keeping higher the upper part of the body.
Determine the triggering factors
However it would be changed from woman to women, lemon, coffee, chocolate trigger epigastric burning. Also spicy foods invite epigastric burning.
Prefer large and comfortable clothes
Tight and straight clothing inflame your reflux by increasing the pressure on stomach. Large and comfortable clothes make you feel comfortable.
Ginger
However there is not any scientific study on ginger, candies and chewing gums with ginger can improve the epigastric burning.
Consider to take antacids
Despite of changing your lifestyle, there is not any improvement on epigastric burning, antacids could be a solution for you. Antacids with calcium or magnesium can be take in safety during pregnancy. But you should be avoided to intake antacids with aluminum for it causes constipation… Consuming soda water would be a good choice too. But it can cause bloatedness.
H2 blockers
If the antacids don’t work with the problem it needs to consider the more serious alternatives. The first option would be to consider a H2 Blocker as Zantac. These medicines are proper to take during pregnancy but you should take them with prescription and recommendation with your doctor.
