Pregnancy Heartburn and Indigestion

Relaxant hormones, the pressure of a growing uterus, and a slower metabolism cause indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy, even if you’ve never experienced heartburn or indigestion before. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract which makes food move more slowly and digestion more sluggish. In addition to the heartburn and indigestion, this slowing of digestion may be making you feel sluggish.

Try these tips to prevent and ease indigestion and heartburn:

• Avoid greasy and fried foods.
• Eat six to eight small meals instead of three larger meals.
• Try not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight.
• Try not to lay down immediately after meals. Gravity can even be a factor that helps move digestion along, and laying flat does not encourage food to move downwards properly.
• Take small sips of milk or eat small pieces of chipped ice to soothe burning.
• Eat slowly.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an antacid medicine. Tums can help heartburn as well as add needed calcium to your diet.