Many women experience heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. Apart from this, constipation, cramps, and aches are also common complaints. Some women who have had normal pregnancies earlier may experience heartburn during pregnancy too.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the stomach and chest which often leaves an acidic and foul after taste in the mouth. Other heartburn pregnancy symptoms are burning in the throat...
...and a sour taste in the mouth. The early signs of pregnancy heartburn may include constipation, nausea and indigestion. Cramps in the lower abdomen may also often result in pregnancy heartburn.
Heartburn symptoms during pregnancy can be caused by many reasons. Usually the increased hormonal activity can be blamed for this. These hormones can cause the ligaments of the esophagus to soften up. This softening up of the esophagus can interfere with the ingestion of food. If the esophageal walls soften inappropriately, the food present in the stomach, along with the digestive juices and acids, is pushed up through it. When this undigested food and these acids reach the throat, they cause an acidic taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest and the throat.
Other causes of heartburn during pregnancy can be indigestion or constipation. Heartburn can cause a great deal of discomfort to a pregnant woman. Though this problem cannot be completely eliminated, there are remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms. You can do some simple things to help prevent heartburn during pregnancy.
Try to avoid the foods that trigger heartburn. Foods that are spicy and fried or are highly seasoned may cause heartburns. Citrus fruits, condiments, coffee and chocolates are also heartburn inducing foods. Though these foods generally cause heartburn during pregnancy, you may have other heartburn triggers that didn’t cause you discomfort before you became pregnant. Watch out for such foods and avoid them.
Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks can cause a lot of discomfort. These beverages should not be consumed when you are pregnant. They not only cause heartburn but can also be harmful to your baby.
Try to eat several small meals instead of a few big meals. This will help prevent indigestion. In your meals, be sure to add a lot of roughage which helps the movement of the food along the alimentary canal. Whole wheat cereals and breads and fibrous foods and vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber and should be included in your diet.