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Home remedies for acid reflux during pregnancy
Acid reflux and I am pregnant. Any natural remedies to try before going to the doctor?
(13 Mar 2008)
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Natural Treatment for Acid Reflux during Pregnancy
The condition you are probably suffering from is gastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD for short. In this condition, the esophageal sphincter does not function properly, as result of which gastric acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus. This can cause a lot of discomfort and pain — the most common symptom is heartburn, but there can be other more serious symptoms and complications as well if the condition is not treated.
Treatment however does not necessarily involve medication or surgery — in most cases, a few diet and lifestyle changes are usually enough to keep the condition under control. Since you are pregnant, it is probably better to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor, as proper nourishment is absolutely essential during this period of time, and even for at least the first year after you deliver. However, cutting down or entirely cutting out substances like coffee, colas, alcohol, and tobacco is of course safe, and even advisable during pregnancy. You should also avoid eating large meals — do not cut down your intake of food, but spread it across the day by eating smaller, more frequent meals. If the acid reflux bothers you more at night, you should make sure that you go to bed not less than an hour after your dinner, and try to sleep with your head elevated, preferably by using risers under your bed rather than pillows.
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answered by M W on 13 Mar 2008, 6:31:50
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