Heartburn during pregnancy is common... but the night-time heartburn is a pain. Here's how to control it

Food pipe seem to be on fire during pregnancy and most of you must have experienced annoying acidity. We try different things like cold milk, cold water, or even fennel seeds to feel better but in vain. Acidity becomes so mammoth that there is reflux of acidic secretions as well.

Almost 90% of the women in their second-trimester experience heartburns and the situation only tends to worsen as the tummy grows. The high level of progesterone in the maternal blood and the growing uterus, relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscles, resulting in acid reflux. Though most women learn to live with it and control it during day time, heartburn at night time can be a curse. Here are some great tips to help control heartburn at night for pregnant women.

Twisting and turning in bed while trying to find a comfortable position is a common sight during pregnancy. Acidity adds to the woes and makes it almost impossible to catch some sleep during night time.

Also read : 10 effective Home Remedies for Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Causes of acidity during pregnancy

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors that can contribute to acidity at night in pregnant women include:

1. Eating large meals or spicy foods before bedtime.

2. Lying down immediately after eating.

3. Having a hiatal hernia or obesity.

4. Stress and anxiety.

Ways to control night-time heartburn:

1. Avoid Trigger foods:

By the time, the mother enters the second trimester, she would have already identified foods that trigger vomiting, heartburn, etc. Most probably those wonder food items are tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy and fried foods, coffee, carbonated drinks, etc. It is vital to ban those foods completely during the course of pregnancy and also refrain from alcohol strictly.

2. Drink a lot of fluids:

Liquid foods have a fast-gastric emptying time and cause less trouble compared with solid foods. Drink a lot of juices, smoothies, protein shakes, pudding, etc., in the late evening to curb night-time heartburns. While taking solid foods, chew them adequately so that they are liquefied and made easy to digest.

3. Schedule dinner time early:

It is important not to eat anything for at least three hours before bedtime. And lie in a left lateral position with the head elevated adequately to alleviate the stress on the food pipe and stomach when in bed.

4. Take antacids as prescribed:

Antacids can neutralize the acid in the stomach and can offer excellent relief for heartburn. It is important to take advice from the doctor before starting an antacid prescription.

5. Sleep with your upper body elevated:

By using a pillow or wedge to keep stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.

6. Wear loose-fitting clothing:

To avoid putting pressure on the abdomen.

7. Drink plenty of water

Avoid beverages that can increase acidity, such as carbonated drinks, coffee, and tea.

8. Try using natural remedies

Such as ginger tea, aloe vera juice, or apple cider vinegar, but always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies.

If your symptoms persist or become more severe, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if medication or other treatments are necessary. It is important not to take too much water or fluids in between meals as more air can enter and add to the discomfort. Pregnant women however should take adequate liquids in between meals and resist the urge to lie down immediately after meals.