Find out the cause of pregnant women with acid reflux and how to improve

Pregnancy reflux or gastroesophageal reflux during pregnancy is one of the most common digestive problems that pregnant mothers may experience.

For many women, acid reflux is one of the early signs of pregnancy , starting around the second month. However, many pregnant mothers feel tired when encountering this situation because the bitter or sour taste in the oral cavity causes many discomfort. The following article, aFamilyToday Health will point out the causes of reflux as well as how to improve with natural remedies.

The feeling when pregnant women have gastric reflux

Reflux during pregnancy will make you feel the following symptoms:

Burning in the throat

Having trouble swallowing

A feeling of hot, sour or salty feeling in the back of the throat

Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating

It feels like the food is still stuck in the middle of the throat or chest

A burning sensation in the chest occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours.

Causes pregnant women have gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the valve between the stomach and esophagus cannot prevent stomach acid from returning to the esophagus. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes the valves to dilate, increasing the frequency of gastric reflux, while also allowing stomach acids to enter the esophagus and stimulate the mucosa.

Indigestion and reflux usually occur in the third trimester because the fetus presses on the intestines and stomach, causing food to be pushed back up into the esophagus. Besides the main cause as above, there are still some other reasons why you might experience this situation, such as:

Overweight

Eat too much

Stress during pregnancy

Eat right before going to bed

Busy tight and tight clothing

Drink caffeinated and carbonated drinks

Eat foods that are prone to reflux such as onions, chocolate, mints, high-fat foods, citrus fruits, garlic, spicy foods, tomatoes or tomato products.

When does gastroesophageal reflux go away?

Pregnant mothers may experience gastroesophageal reflux disease or indigestion throughout pregnancy. However, this condition will be mildly and completely eliminated after the baby is born.

Treatment and prevention of gastric reflux

The use of over-the-counter antacids can help reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease, but pregnant women must consult a doctor before using. Some drugs contain high levels of sodium, which can cause a buildup of fluid in the body tissues. In addition to this, there are also a few medications that contain aluminum, a mineral that has been assessed as unsafe for pregnant women.

Preventing pregnant women from reflux is the best way to treat, you can refer to the following ways:

1. Eat small meals

Like before pregnancy, having too many foods in your stomach can contribute to reflux. So, instead of eating 3 meals a day, divide your serving size into 5-6 meals so you don't have to work hard on your stomach and relieve some other symptoms, such as fatigue during pregnancy. . On the other hand, eating slowly is also a fairly present measure, helping pregnant mothers avoid overeating.

2. Drink plenty of water

Prefer water or drinks that are good for your stomach and pregnancy morning sickness , such as ginger tea, yogurt, and chamomile tea to soothe discomfort.

In addition, limit cow's milk because the ingredients in milk sometimes cause indigestion, contributing to gastroesophageal reflux has a chance to appear. Instead, you can try several types of nut milk, including:

Almond milk

Soymilk

Cashew milk

Flaxseed milk

Walnut milk

Coconut milk.

3. Do light exercise after eating

You should walk while pregnant or move a bit like doing housework, upright after each meal instead of lying down will help prevent gastroesophageal reflux appears. In addition, you should not do the bending movements because this will give the acid a chance to back up into your esophagus.

4. Do not eat before bed

Eating a big meal and going to bed right after is a “perfect recipe” for reflux to show up. Experts have given advice, pregnant mothers should try not to eat at least three hours before going to bed and limit drinking too much water for a few hours.

5. Sleep up with pillows

When you rest, use pillows to raise the height of your chest and head. This helps the acid stay in the stomach.

6. Choose your food carefully

If you find that your stomach is having trouble eating a certain food, eliminate it from the menu. Some of the foods that are known to be at risk of reflux include:

Spicy or spicy foods

Fried or fatty foods

Caffeine, carbonated drinks

Citrus fruits

Processed meat

Chocolate

Mint.

If you do not know the cause of gastroesophageal reflux is due to the food, pregnant mothers try to eat each type a few times to recognize.

7. Spacious attire

Wearing tight clothes will put extra pressure on the already very tight abdomen of pregnant mothers and worsen gastroesophageal reflux. Pregnant mothers should prioritize comfortable clothes with cool materials to easily operate during the day.

8. Mental comfort

Stress is often on the list of causes for stomach upset. Therefore, pregnant mothers should learn to stay calm before all problems, practice meditation, practice yoga to make the mind as comfortable as possible, thereby reducing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.

Besides the longing for a new member, pregnant mothers may experience some unpleasant conditions during pregnancy, such as gastroesophageal reflux. Fortunately, there are many safe ways to prevent and improve reflux.

On the other hand, if you feel extremely uncomfortable or experience pain, see your doctor for prompt examination and treatment.

Phuong Uyen / HELLOBACSI