Preventing Heartburn

You just had a fab Italian meal and suddenly it hits…a burning sensation in your chest, throat, followed by an acidic taste in your mouth. The culprit? Heartburn. 

What can cause heartburn? The common foods are:

• Tomato
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits & juices
• Highly spiced foods
• Fatty, fried food

Heartburn takes place more often during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes causes the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to relax. This valve is normally closed but when its open, will cause the contents of the stomach to come back up the esophagus causing reflux. As you get bigger, more pressure is put in the tummy area, leading to possibly more heartburn.

Everyone is different, so what may cause you heartburn, may not cause your friend who is also pregnant heartburn.

Tips to Preventing heartburn:

• Drink plenty of water at least 8-10 glasses a day
• Eat smaller meals
• Don’t rush through a meal, chew slowly
• Stay away from caffeinated drinks(causes the valve in the esophagus to relax as well)
• Minimalize your greasy food intake
• Avoid laying down immediately after eating

http://www.whattoexpect.com/

http://www.babycentre.co.uk