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9 Ways To Cure Pregnancy-Related Heartburn
Heart burn is one of the most common symptoms associated with late pregnancy. But that doesn't make it any less frustrating or painful for the moms-to-be who experience it. Although there are ways to cure heartburn during pregnancy, it's somewhat unavoidable as your stomach has less and less room, thanks to your growing baby putting pressure on the rest of your organs.
I was plagued by heartburn at the end of both of my pregnancies. No matter what I ate, acid reflux seemed to make my meals unenjoyable and the hours after eating uncomfortable at best. Had I known about the simple remedies that many moms swear by, the last weeks of my pregnancy might have been a different story.
Most of these remedies can be made at home, with simple, easy to find ingredients. Others are helpful for preventing heartburn from happening in the first place. Whether you decide to try out all of these remedies or use only a combination of one or two, a bit of experimentation with these at-home heartburn cures will lessen your discomfort during the final weeks of your pregnancy so that you can enjoy preparing for your baby, instead of focusing on your discomfort.
1Eat Small, Frequent Meals
At the end of your pregnancy, you won't necessarily have "room" for big meals. Still, according to the American Pregnancy Association, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help ease your heartburn and prevent it from happening in the future.
2Eat Yogurt Or Drink A Glass Of Milk
A small amount of cow's milk or yogurt can help relieve heartburn immediately, according to Mama Natural. Over time, however, it is thought to make heartburn worse, so limit your intake and eat it as needed.
3Avoid Spicy Food
According to What To Expect, spicy food is a heartburn trigger and pregnant moms should avoid it all together, especially if you have a history of heartburn.
4Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Healthline noted that apple cider vinegar has proven to be a helpful remedy for acid reflux and heartburn, and is safe for pregnant women to try. Try mixing it in a glass of water with lemon and honey or, if you're feeling brave, take a tablespoon straight up with something sweet as a chaser.
5Drink Lemon Water
The aforementioned Mama Natural article explained that lemon increases the body's production of digestive juices and bile, aiding your body in the digestion process and hopefully cutting down on heartburn. Add a slice or two to your water and drink it throughout the day for best results.
6Eat High Enzyme Food
High enzyme foods like papaya, pineapple, avocado, and banana will help your body digest food more effectively and thereby lessen your heartburn, according to Babble.
7Apply Aloe Vera
The soothing properties of aloe vera are thought to be a safe and effective way for pregnant moms to ease the pain of heartburn. According to Belly Belly, rubbing the gel direction on your chest and neck is the best way to get the benefits from the plant.
8Drink Lots Of Water
The aforementioned Mama Natural noted that moms who drink lots of water — throughout the day, not all at once, mind you — are less prone to heartburn.
9Add Some Ginger
Healthline noted that small amounts of ginger can act as an anti-inflammatory aid, so try making some ginger tea, adding it to your meals, or buying some dried, candied ginger to snack on throughout the day.
