Heartburn and Indigestion during pregnancy

In the later stages of pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on your abdomen and also crowds the abdominal cavity. All this just further slows down digestion and makes you feel more bloated after having a meal. You may also experience heartburn. Heartburn is a result of indigestion; it causes a burning sensation and pain in the chest

How can you reduce indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy?

The most effective way to reduce indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy is to cut down on all food items that are likely to cause gas.  Start by cutting out the most gas causing foods and later on keep adding the same food items one by one to find which one is the culprit. It is advisable to avoid oily and fatty foods during pregnancy because they not only cause acidity but can also lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is important to avoid weight gain during pregnancy.

Some foods cause more gas than the others. Foods that cause a lot of gas are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, asparagus and legumes such as chickpeas and red beans. Some women also find that onions, aerated drinks and sodas also cause gas. These foods are high in sugar (raffinose) which is the primary factor for gas.

Certain starch foods such as pasta and potatoes can cause gas in many cases. Therefore avoid eating it during pregnancy. Certain high fiber rich foods such as beans, oat bran and some fruits can also cause a lot of gas, as these foods break down when passing through the large intestine. Wheat bran does not break down while passing through your digestive system.

People, who are lactose intolerant, may feel bloated or have gas when they consume dairy products.  Lactose intolerance is a condition that you would be aware of even before you got pregnant. Sometimes, if you only slightly intolerant, you wouldn’t have known the symptoms, but during pregnancy the consumption of dairy products will cause you discomfort. In such a case you will need to take calcium supplements to get that dose of calcium in your body.

Make sure you eat small and frequent meals and stay away from fried and spicy foods.

If you are suffering from indigestion then:

• Eat smaller and frequent meals rather than 3 huge meals in a day.
• While eating sit up straight, this takes off the pressure on your stomach.
• Avoid eating fatty foods and spicy foods that will aggravate the condition.

If you are suffering from heartburn then:

• Try and rest with your head slightly raised with the help of some pillows.
• Drink a glass of milk or butter milk, as this will help soothe the heartburn.
• Avoid eating or drinking a few hours prior to going to bed.
• Try to remain active during your pregnancy.

If your condition worsens then seek medical help as soon as possible. Avoid taking any medicines as these are not safe for pregnancy. Hope your indigestion and flatulence remain controlled during pregnancy.