Can proper diet keep heartburn off during pregnancy?

Along with the common known symptoms of pregnancy like exhaustion, sleepiness and morning sickness, comes the most annoying symptom of heartburn. Heartburn during a pregnancy manifests as a slight burning sensation in the chest, or could be a rather uncomfortable feeling of the formation of a lump in the throat.

Eating healthy foods is known to help in reducing heartburn during pregnancy. However, although what you eat is very important in keeping heartburn at bay,   how you eat your meals takes prime importance. Instead of eating three meals per day, during your pregnancy it is advisable to spread the three large whole meals over six smaller meals throughout the day. Not only does this help in avoiding heartburn, it also ensures that your body is given nutrition throughout the day and that the strain on the digestive system is reduced. Skipping meals should be avoided completely. Healthy diets, comprising of fruits is recommended because fruits provide the body with the right nutrition and natural sugar for the production of energy. Fruits like papaya, however, should be avoided, as they are known to be harmful to the developing fetus. Bananas are known to aid digestion and prevent constipation. It is also important that you drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to reduce the levels of acidity that may be prevalent in the stomach. Hormonal changes are also known to cause acidity and heartburn, but water will reduce the occurrence of any sensation of heartburn that may occur during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water will also reduce the chances of water retention. The consumption of yoghurt and milk are known to reduce acidity and ease heartburn symptoms that may occur. Chewing gum causes the salivary glands to activate and reduces the acidic content of the stomach.

It is advisable for an expectant mother to have her meals at least three hours before going to bed so that the body is able to completely digest the food that has been consumed. Another method of reducing heartburn is by undertaking a little exercise daily. A short walk will help in the digestion of food and thereby help you to avoid the occurrence of the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn. Wearing loose clothing that is not restrictive, especially around the chest and stomach, is recommended. If none of the aforementioned methods help in relieving you from heartburn during pregnancy, it is advisable that you consult your doctor for further advice.