Pregnancy heartburn is often the result of the weakness in the ring of muscles between the esophagus and stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The main function of LES is to relax when so that the food could enter the stomach easily when you swallow the same. This ring of muscles tightens after the food enters the stomach. This way, it actually prevents the stomach acids and the food from flowing back into the esophagus. As long as the LES is functioning properly, things will be all right. If it is not, you will experience heartburn. When you get pregnant, a lot of hormonal changes take place in your body that also affects the functioning of LES. That is the reason why pregnancy heartburn is such a common complaint.

Medications
If you are expecting a baby and are experiencing such problems, you may be considering taking some medications to get instant relief. But, you are strongly recommended not to take any medicines without consulting with your doctor because some drugs may prove to be very harmful not only for your own health but also for your baby’s health. The good news is that there are some alternative ways to treat this problem, which can be more effective than medications. Here is a brief rundown about the same.

Weight Gain
Excessive weight gain may aggravate the problem because it puts pressure on the LES. Therefore, you must be well aware of how much weight is safe for you. Ask your doctor for suggestions in this regard. Do not cross that limit.

Tight Cloths
If you are in the habit of wearing tight cloths, this is the time to change your habit. If the cloths are tight around your abdomen and waist, it will also put pressure on the ring of LES muscles.

Take Smaller Frequent Meals Instead Of Three Big Meals
Another great way to alleviate the problem of pregnancy heartburn is to take frequent small meals throughout the day instead of taking a couple of big meals. Do not eat too much at a time. Besides that, make sure that you chew the food thoroughly and eat slowly. Take the last meal of the day at least an hour or two before you retire to bed. This will allow the food to digest thoroughly.

Bending
You have to be more careful with the activities that require you to bend. Avoid bending at the first place, but if you have to bend anyway, you should bend at the knees - not at the waist.

Drinking plenty of water a day can also prove to be very helpful. So, make sure that you drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. But, at the same time, avoid drinking too much liquid while you are having your meals because this is also likely to worsen the problem of pregnancy heartburn.

Pregnancy heartburn is one of the most common signs of pregnancy, but the good thing is that it can be treated well if you take care of a couple of things.

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