Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 4:58 PM IST
Women know that pregnancy is not all about caressing the bump and getting pampered by all your loved ones. It definitely doesn't promise you a smooth ride for those whole nine months and can often give you setbacks, albeit temporary. One of the common pregnancy woes that almost every woman faces at one time or the other during her pregnancy is - heartburn. Here are some tips that can help you deal with the problem:
Have six meals a day: Instead of having huge portions of food at one time break it into small meals. Starving for long can also encourage craving and overeating which could lead to heartburn. Pace out foods wisely. Don't gorge on only citrus foods or fatty foods after a long interval. Try a mix of different food groups. For instance try a salad followed by an orange or have handful of nuts after having an apple. Know about all the pregnancy do's and don'ts.
Chew your food: Try this trick count from one to 10 before you swallow each morsel. This is no joke, food if chewed properly before swallowing helps to aid digestion and reduces instances of heartburn.
Avoid the obvious triggers: Carbonated drinks, caffeine, citrus fruits, spicy dishes, fatty food, junk, processed meat are known enemies of your gastrointestinal tract. If any of these lead to acid reflux you know you better be off them. Read about foods every pregnant women should avoid.
Listen to your body: You get the best signals and warning signs when you are attuned to your body. If a certain food has made you feel nauseated or has given you heartburn then it's better to take it off the menu at least for some days. Many women feel that they suffer from heartburn at a particular time of the day like either at lunch or dinner. If that's the case try having a littler meal and go for a stroll after it. Avoid having a heavy dinner just before bed time. Hit the bed at least three hours after you had your meal.
Don't mix liquids and solids together: Though it's wise to have eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day during your pregnancy, it's a good practice not to have water with your meals. You don't want to distend your stomach while having a meal and end up adding more trouble. Just take small sips with meals and avoid large amount of any fluid intake with your meals for the same reasons.
Exercise and be healthy: Try to achieve a healthy weight gain during pregnancy and exercise as advised by your doctor. Exercise will help your systems work to its optimum level and combat signs of heart burn.
Check your sleep position: Make sure that you keep your upper body a little elevated if you had a heavy dinner so that your stomach acids don't travel up easily and cause heartburn.
Check your vices: Quit smoking or alcohol if you indulge in it. This not only helps to relieve symptoms of heartburn but does a great deal of good to your baby.
Try medication: Your gynecologist might have prescribed safe antacids during your first visit with good intentions. Now is the time to pop one. If you aren't guided on the same check with your gynecologist before you pick up one. Never self medicate yourself during pregnancy under any circumstance.
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