Heartburn and Pregnancy
Heartburn is a common discomfort during pregnancy for many reasons. Depending on the reasons for heartburn, natural therapies may reduce discomfort.
Acid reflux is a disorder that occurs when that valve opens when it’s not supposed to, so stomach contents (acid, digestive juices, enzymes and/or food) can flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus and cause symptoms.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Problematic reflux can cause heartburn, which is a burning that’s felt mid-chest, below the sternum, especially after meals or at night when you lie down. Acid reflux can also cause regurgitation.
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s a more severe form of acid reflux where the stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus becomes problematic. It can also cause a cough or the feeling that there’s a lump in the back of your throat. Contact your midwife if you feel you may be experiencing GERD.
What can help acid reflux?
Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the types of foods you are eating.
Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
Try sleeping in a chair for daytime naps.
Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts.
What other natural options are pregnancy safe to reduce heartburn?
Papaya enzymes in chewable form contain a digestive enzyme which can help to break down food. This can be helpful if someone experiences heartburn from low stomach acid or consumes a large meal or meal that exacerbates heartburn.
Marshmallow capsules, or marshmallow tea/infusion, have mucilaginous properties that coat the intestines to soothe heartburn. Take before or with meals. To make a marshmallow tea or infusion simply put ¼ marshmallow root in a jar. Add 2 cups cold water and let sit for 4 hours. Strain off herb and store in fridge. Drink up to ¼ cup whenever heartburn symptoms occur.
Earth Mama Heartburn tea OR Pink Stork Heartburn Tea (contains milk thistle so avoid if allergic to ragweed) is an herbal tea blend that can calm and soothe the digestive tract and mental state to balance stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
Digestive enzymes aid in the digestion of food whenever indigestion occurs.
Apple cider vinegar at a dose of 1 tablespoon in 8 ounces of water can increase your level of stomach acid, therefore reducing heartburn. Drink at onset of symptoms, before or during meals to reduce heartburn.
Baking soda at a dose of ½ teaspoon in 4 ounces of water is helpful for neutralizing stomach acid and heartburn symptoms.
Genexa Antacid Maximum Strength is a clean option that is safe to use during pregnancy if you would prefer to avoid Tums.
Tums are safe to use during pregnancy but should not be used excessively if at all possible. Tums are mostly calcium carbonate which can accumulate in the placenta and negatively impact the ability for the placenta to perfuse blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the baby.
