Preventing Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Acid reflux during pregnancy can be very uncomfortable for the mom to be because this can be frequent and also very inconvenient especially since there are a host of other uncomfortable feelings that some women experience during pregnancy. Acid reflux during pregnancy can be reduced just by following some simple instructions and guidelines. These guidelines will in no way endanger the mother of the unborn child.

Amount Of Food And Kinds Of Foods

The amount of food you eat can cause acid reflux during pregnancy especially in the later part of gestation. As you baby grows, the space in your abdomen is filled up by your unborn child. This makes the stomach capacity lesser because it could be squeezed between the baby and other organs. Since the stomach is highly flexible, it is likely to be moved when the baby moves, causing acid reflux during pregnancy after a heavy meal. Keeping meals small and just satisfactory can help to reduce acid reflux during pregnancy.

Some kinds of food can cause acid reflux during pregnancy. Chocolates, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrusy fruits and some tomato based foods can cause acid reflux during pregnancy and any other time. These foods, combined with other factors that can cause acid reflux must be avoided to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux during pregnancy.

Hormone Changes During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that you go through during pregnancy can affect your muscles as well as the functions of the organs in your body. Acid reflux during pregnancy can be caused the weakening of the esophageal sphincter as well as the incapacity of the stomach to quickly and properly digest foods. Your stomach can also increase its production of stomach acids due to hormonal changes in the woman's body during pregnancy.

Position After Meals

A pregnant woman can be lazy at times and prone to sleeping or napping anytime of the day. The position that a pregnant woman holds after a meal can also cause acid reflux during pregnancy. Lying or sitting in a slouched position can affect the position of the stomach. If the stomach is pressed too tightly or the stomach is just level with the upper body, tendency is that the contents of the stomach might back track into the esophagus.

Even bending from the waist down can add pressure to your already bulging stomach and squeeze the stomach. This can cause symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy and be quite uncomfortable for the mother to be.