Acidity and heartburn is mainly a result of bad eating habits in normal healthy people. However, acid reflux in pregnancy is also very common. In a healthy person, the stomach produces gastric juices and enzymes that help in the digestion of food.


This gastric juice is produced by the body during normal meal times. However, in a pregnant woman, gastric juices get produced at all hours of the day, due to the hormonal fluctuations. A pregnant woman’s body is constantly undergoing change, and a small price for that is the constant feeling of heartburn and acidity.


The fetal development also puts a lot of pressure on the stomach. This affects the digestion and may also push the gastric juices into the esophagus, causing the feeling of heartburn. This is one of the reasons taking care of your diet is extremely important in pregnancy. For the complete development of the baby, nutrition is extremely important.

If you are experiencing acid reflux in pregnancy, stay away from fried and fatty foods altogether. Acid reflux in early pregnancy is due to the upsurge of the hormones. In the later stages of the pregnancy, the growing uterus pressing against the other organs may contribute to the heartburn and the acidity in the stomach. Acid reflux and cough, though not really related, can occur during pregnancy. If the acid reflux causes a lot of heartburn, you may have an immediate gagging response. If you have a craving for heavy or fried foods, start off your meals with fruits or vegetables that can help you feel fuller. This way, you can automatically restrict your caloric intake.

Know this that as your baby grows, there will be even less space in your stomach, and the gastric juices and acids will be more likely to flow into your esophagus. For women struggling with acid reflux in pregnancy, the condition should be examined by a doctor. There are many different steps that you can take to control the production of acid in your stomach. These measures will also help you prevent the acid from traveling up your esophagus.

The first thing that you should consider when trying to find acid reflux cures is the size and the timing of your meals. Most of us are used to eating three large meals through the day. Instead of eating three large meals, try and eat four smaller meals. Also do not consume meals right before going to bed. Have your last meal of the day at least three hours before you sleep. When you do have your meals, eat very slowly and chew your food well to avoid taking in too much air. If you are feeling full, stop and take a break even if you still have some food left in your plate. Since overeating only makes your problem worse, this is one way to avoid acid problems.

Chewing gum after your meals can help you produce more saliva in the mouth. The more saliva your mouth produces, the less gastric juices and acids are produced in your stomach. The extra saliva also helps neutralize the acids in your stomach. If you experience uneasiness, a natural remedy for acid reflux can be used. Sucking on a stick of cinnamon can have a soothing effect on the stomach. Altering the position in which you sleep is also a great way of soothing your stomach. When you go to bed, try and keep your upper body elevated. You can add extra pillows to your bed to do that.

Since the causes of acid reflux are usually associated with hormones and the increasing size of the uterus, for heartburn and acid reflux in pregnancy, medical treatment may not always be possible. Apple cider vinegar for acid reflux can be an effective natural treatment. A spoonful of apple cider vinegar with warm water can aid in digestion so that the body does not have to produce a lot of gastric juices. Use a wedge shaped pillow to elevate your head and esophagus. When the head and esophagus is elevated, it is difficult for the gastric juices to enter into the esophagus. Sleeping on your left hand side, with a pillow wedged between your legs can help improve digestion. Avoid sleeping on your back. This will help prevent back pain as well as gastric reflux.

Acid fighting drinks such as carbonated water is an effective acid reflux in pregnancy home remedy. To combat acidity, these acid fighting drinks can be really helpful. Lemon juice with a spoon of honey can also help keep heartburn at bay. The fresh juice of aloe vera is also known to be an excellent remedy for acid reflux. Chamomile tea or teas made with peppermint or basil can help in fighting the causes of acid reflux and nausea in pregnancy. The most obvious acid reflux pregnancy symptom is heartburn. To reduce heartburn, you should eat light meals and avoid fried foods. Milk can be really effective in treating acid reflux and is often sought to treat heartburn and acidity. However, it only provides temporary relief, and may even worsen the condition later. To ensure complete relief, you may have to get medical treatment.

One of the major causes of acid reflux at night is a heavy meal. To avoid acid reflux during pregnancy in the first trimester, especially during the nights, be very careful of the foods that you eat. Choose your food wisely, and eat only those foods that do not increase heartburn during your pregnancy. Spicy and oily foods increase the production of bile and gastric juices. Avoid eating those at night before you go to sleep. Eat plain cooked rice, almonds, licorice, and yogurt to calm acidity. Unsweetened and unflavored yogurt is the best remedy for acid reflux and heartburn. Cucumber also has a chemical property that helps it soothe a troubled stomach. However, cucumber is also rich in fiber and eating lots of cucumber can cause an intensification of the symptoms. Keep the last meal of your day very light, and eat a piece of fruit with each of your meals. Top off all your meals with a small bowl of yogurt as this will help in cooling the stomach down. You can also suck on some licorice candies after your meals to keep from developing an acid reflux.