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Last Updated: 5/21/2021

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Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD During Pregnancy

It’s called heartburn, although that burning feeling in your chest has nothing to do with the heart. Uncomfortable and frustrating, it bothers many women, particularly during pregnancy.

The first question you may have is how to make it stop. You may also wonder if treatments are safe for your baby. Learn what causes heartburn during pregnancy and what you can do about it.

During normal digestion, food travels down the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and into the stomach.

The LES is part of the doorway between your esophagus and your stomach. It opens to allow food through and closes to stop stomach acids from coming back up.

When you have heartburn, or acid reflux, the LES relaxes enough to allow stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This can cause pain and burning in the chest area.

During pregnancy, hormone changes can allow the muscles in the esophagus, including the LES, to relax more frequently. The result is that more acids may seep back up, particularly when you’re lying down or after you’ve eaten a large meal.

In addition, as your fetus grows during the second and third trimesters and your uterus expands to accommodate that growth, your stomach is under more pressure. This can also result in food and acid being pushed back up into your esophagus.

Heartburn is a common occurrence for most people at one time or another, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. However, if you also experience other symptoms, such as a missed period or nausea, these could be signs that you need to take a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy increases your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, muscles in your esophagus push food more slowly into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty.

This gives your body more time to absorb nutrients for the fetus, but it can also result in heartburn.

During the third trimester, the growth of your baby can push your stomach out of its normal position, which can lead to heartburn.

However, each woman is different. Being pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have heartburn. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.

Relieving heartburn during pregnancy typically involves some trial and error. Lifestyle habits that can reduce heartburn are often the safest methods for mother and baby. The following tips may help relieve your heartburn:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid drinking while eating. Drink water in between meals instead.
• Eat slowly and chew every bite thoroughly.
• Avoid eating a few hours before bed.
• Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn. Typical culprits include chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato-based items, carbonated beverages, and caffeine.
• Stay upright for at least one hour after a meal. A leisurely walk may also encourage digestion.
• Wear comfortable rather than tight-fitting clothing.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use pillows or wedges to elevate your upper body while sleeping.
• Sleep on your left side. Lying on your right side will position your stomach higher than your esophagus, which may lead to heartburn.
• Chew a piece of sugarless gum after meals. The increased saliva may neutralize any acid coming back up into the esophagus.
• Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk to quell symptoms once they start.

Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or guided imagery. Always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.

Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox may help you cope with occasional heartburn symptoms. Those made of calcium carbonate or magnesium are good options.

However, it may be best to avoid magnesium during the last trimester of pregnancy. Magnesium could interfere with contractions during labor.

Most doctors recommend avoiding antacids that contain high levels of sodium. These antacids can lead to a buildup of fluid in the tissues.

You should also avoid any antacids that list aluminum on the label, as in “aluminum hydroxide” or “aluminum carbonate”. These antacids can lead to constipation.

Finally, stay away from medications like Alka-Seltzer that may contain aspirin.

Ask your doctor for the best option. If you find yourself downing bottles of antacids, your heartburn may have progressed to gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD). In that case, you may need a stronger treatment.

If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing, coughing, weight loss, or black stools), you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.

Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.

Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. Research indicates that medications called h3 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.

Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

If you’re concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy

Boltovsky Vladimir Anatolievich

Pediatrician, Nephrologist

Children's clinic "Mother and Child" Samara

If, after some time after eating, the expectant mother has a feeling of warmth or burning behind the sternum, then this is heartburn.

Not all antacids can be used during pregnancy. For example, preparations containing bismuth nitrate ( Vikalin , etc. ), should not be taken by expectant mothers due to the fact that the effect of bismuth on the development of the child is unknown.

Heartburn usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy and torments the expectant mother until the birth of the child.

what she looks like

If, after some time after eating, the expectant mother has a feeling of warmth or burning behind the sternum, then this is heartburn. And most often these unpleasant sensations occur in the evening. Heartburn usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy and torments the expectant mother until the birth of the child. According to popular belief, she worries the expectant mother when the baby's hair grows. In fact, heartburn occurs due to the fact that the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the lower esophagus. This happens because during pregnancy, the muscular sphincter, located between the esophagus and stomach, relaxes under the influence of the hormone progesterone. Another cause of heartburn is an enlarged uterus (and it just increases greatly after the 20th week) presses on neighboring organs: the stomach, intestines. As a result, the volume of the stomach decreases and even the usual amount of food leads to its overflow and the reflux of food back into the esophagus.

what will help

If heartburn occurs infrequently and does not bother you much, then in order to reduce its symptoms, you just need to eat right and change your lifestyle. The simplest thing that helps with heartburn:

• Fractional meals: eat often 5-6 times a day at intervals of 1.5-2 hours and in small portions. Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
• Healthy food: Avoid fatty and fried foods and chocolate. All these products provoke additional relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
• Heartburn usually occurs within the first two hours after eating, so do not lie down immediately after eating.
• Sleep with the head of the bed raised by adding another pillow.

simple remedies

The simplest thing that helps with heartburn is some foods. For example, a burning sensation behind the sternum perfectly removes low-fat milk, just a few sips - and heartburn goes away or is significantly reduced. Ice cream works the same way, as well as grapefruit and carrot juices. You can get rid of heartburn by eating nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), but they are more likely to prevent heartburn than to eliminate an existing one. And ordinary seeds help someone cope with heartburn. In general, the expectant mother can only choose the right product for herself, but here, as with food in general, one must observe the measure. No need to eat a block of ice cream or a package of seeds every day, drink glasses of juice or endlessly eat nuts. Of course, they will help, but ice cream and nuts are high in fat and calories, and juices in large quantities hit the pancreas and increase sugar levels. A small amount of one of some product will completely cope with an attack of heartburn.

be careful

Some medications, especially antispasmodics (drugs that relieve spasms of the smooth muscles of the internal organs), such as No-shpa , Papaverine , relax the esophageal sphincter and thus contribute to heartburn. Some herbs, such as mint, also work. Tight clothing under the chest (elastic bands, belts), a change in body position (tilts, turns) can also cause heartburn.

In general, every expectant mother can carefully observe herself and identify her personal cause of heartburn, then it will be much easier to deal with it.

old remedy

Baking soda is often used to treat heartburn. It really helps to relieve the unpleasant burning sensation very quickly, but at the same time it does not last long. In addition, when soda interacts with gastric juice, carbon dioxide is formed, which irritates the stomach - as a result, new portions of hydrochloric acid are produced and heartburn resumes. It turns out that a teaspoon of soda in a glass of water instantly relieves heartburn, but in response to taking soda, the next time the heartburn attack will be even stronger.

safe drugs

During pregnancy you can use the so-called antacids (Maalox, Almagel, Rennie, Gaviscon) . They contain salts of magnesium and aluminum, they neutralize the acid of gastric juice, form a protective film on the wall of the stomach, increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. True, sometimes some antacids cause constipation (due to calcium or aluminum salts), and magnesium, on the contrary, has a laxative effect. Therefore, long-term use of these drugs is not worth it. Antacids can absorb other medications, so there should be some time between taking antacids and other medications.

Despite the fact that heartburn is quite unpleasant for the mother, it does not affect the child in any way. Start the fight against heartburn with proper nutrition, and you may not need medication.

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to the doctor - Boltovsky Vladimir Anatolyevich

Children's Clinic "Mother and Child" Samara

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Tablets for heartburn.

Heartburn to some extent can be considered a sure sign of pregnancy. Rare lucky women in an "interesting" position manage to avoid this unpleasant disorder.

First, the development of heartburn is promoted by a rapid surge of hormones due to conception, and then there is a tendency to increase and intensify its attacks due to the pressure of the growing child on the diaphragm. Mom can not do without special treatment.

Just at this moment the question arises of what can be done for heartburn during pregnancy.

Taking into account her special position, every woman understands that for treatment it is necessary to choose only the safest means, whether pills or herbs. In addition to this, certain amendments are made to the lifestyle and eating habits of the expectant mother. With some effort, the "fiery dragon" inside is easy to curb and make relationships with him episodic.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

There is no universal weapon against heartburn, just as there are no two absolutely identical people. The most win-win methods of dealing with the disease, each expectant mother determines for herself experimentally.

To understand in which direction to move, first you need to find out why heartburn occurs during pregnancy in your case. Only by eliminating the cause of the disease, you can start treating its symptoms.

Most often, the following physiological features of the body contribute to the development of severe burning behind the sternum in pregnant women:

1. Redistribution of hormones in the female body. The concentration of progesterone in the blood increases dramatically, as a result of which all muscles with a smooth surface lose their natural tone. And although these changes act in a positive way (a relaxed uterus easily accepts an embryo), an undesirable moment also arises: due to a decrease in the tone of the gastric sphincter, acid begins to freely enter the esophagus.
2. A large amount of progesterone also affects the performance of the muscles, due to which food leaves the stomach and moves towards the intestines. On this basis, the duration of digestion increases, which also causes severe heartburn during pregnancy.
3. The volume of the uterus increases every week, respectively, the free space in the abdominal cavity is reduced. A squeezed stomach throws acidic masses into the esophagus.
4. The amount of gastric juice during pregnancy increases - that's why a burning disease does not take long to wait.
5. Heartburn during late pregnancy is often played out due to the position of the baby in the womb. Especially active children not only provoke the development of heartburn, but with one push of the leg or hand cause an attack suddenly and very quickly. In this case, the mother's well-being can be complicated by nausea and vomiting.

Heartburn during pregnancy: what to do?

Faced with heartburn for the first time, do not run to the pharmacy for pills right away. Try to adjust your diet and lifestyle in general first.

As for the diet:

• do not overeat - portions of the expectant mother should be small, and snacks should be frequent;
• Eliminate all fried, fatty and smoked foods. Hot sauces and "biting" spices are also banned;
• avoid acidic drinks and foods;
• beware of eating vegetables with fiber. White cabbage, garlic, onion, radish and radish can make a real revolution in your stomach!
• at the slightest hint of discomfort in the epigastric region, say "no" to mushrooms, nuts, black bread, chocolates, sweets, coffee and black tea.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy: healthy foods

The most "friendly" food for a pregnant woman is oatmeal, carrots, natural milk and dairy products. Be sure to include in the menu thick puree soups and porridges of a viscous consistency (but not pearl barley, millet and corn).

Let's give an example of useful and healthy food for a future mother:

• for breakfast - semolina, toast with butter, green tea and poached egg;
• for the second breakfast - natural yoghurt and biscuits, lightly sweetened cottage cheese, seasoned with a little sour cream;
• for lunch - soup-puree of vegetables, steamed fish with rice for garnish, vegetable salad (except vegetables that are prohibited), uzvar;
• afternoon snack - baked apples, lean biscuit cookies;
• for dinner - vegetable stew, steamed meatballs, yesterday's bread;
• before going to bed - a glass of yogurt.

Women in a position prone to heartburn are advised to have dinner 3 hours before bedtime.

Correct way of life in case of heartburn during pregnancy

If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, think about whether you lead a fairly correct lifestyle: food will overload the stomach, which will respond with a large volume of gastric juice, and heartburn will appear. To prevent this from happening, walk for 20 minutes or do something while standing;

What helps with heartburn during pregnancy

The experience of treating the fiery disease during gestation is different for all women. Someone relied on the experience of their ancestors, tried the folk recipe on themselves and did not lose, but someone was satisfied, relying on official medicine. One way or another, but there are many safe options for solving this problem!

Medicines for heartburn during pregnancy

Among the medicines for heartburn, which are prescribed to expectant mothers, there are alginates and antacids. They act in different ways, and now we will find out exactly how.

Alginate medicines are of plant origin. The raw materials for their manufacture are brown algae, which neutralize pepsin and hydrochloric acid - the main weapon of heartburn.

After taking a therapeutic dose of such a drug, the inner surface of the stomach and esophagus is covered with a special mucous mesh, which retains its protective properties for up to 4 hours.

The aggressive action of gastric juice is quickly suppressed.

This group includes:

• Gaviscon;
• Calcium alginate;
• Laminal and Magnesium algalan (dietary health products).

Treatment of heartburn during pregnancy with these drugs is completely safe, since alginates have almost no contraindications and adverse events.

They can be used from the first days of pregnancy until the very birth. Among the "minuses" of this group of drugs, we note the high cost and frequent shortage of items in pharmacies.

In addition, no one excluded an individual negative reaction to alginates.

The more popular pills for heartburn during pregnancy are antacids, divided into those that are absorbed and those that are not.

Absorbable antacids are not recommended for the treatment of expectant mothers.

Sodium ions in their composition are absorbed by the intestinal walls and contribute to the accumulation of water in the body, so the risk of getting swelling on the face, arms and legs increases.

During pregnancy, it is extremely difficult for a woman's body to get rid of excess fluid. As an example, let's take baking soda, which, by the way, is often used for heartburn during pregnancy.

Non-absorbable antacids are rich in magnesium and aluminium. The combination of these trace elements causes the development of constipation and phosphorus deficiency, which can subsequently have an extremely negative impact on the mental abilities of the child. The main medium of action of magnesium is the intestines, so that the expectant mother may have diarrhea. The drugs in this group include Gasterin, Phosphalugel.

Combined preparations are better than others for heartburn during pregnancy. They have a balanced composition and almost never have side effects. Moreover, they help strengthen bone tissue, heal the mucous membrane damaged by ulcers, and also eliminate constipation. Combined preparations that treat heartburn during pregnancy include:

• Rennie - chew 1 - 2 tablets with each attack of heartburn. The maximum daily dose is 11 tablets;
• Gastal - dissolve 1 tablet during an attack, and then 1 hour after each meal. The course of treatment for pregnant women should not exceed 3 - 5 days;
• Almagel Neo - take 1 - 2 scoops 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. If the symptoms of heartburn are very strong, you can drink the remedy a fourth time before going to bed.

Folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Treatment of the disease with "grandmother's" recipes is less risky than medication, and at the same time is not inferior to pills in efficiency.

Let's share with you the most popular methods of treating heartburn during pregnancy at home:

• 1 tbsp. l. heather, pour 0.5 liters of freshly boiled water and cook over low heat for 2 minutes, and then leave the remedy for about half an hour. Filter the finished infusion and store in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. l. before every meal;
• 0.5 st. l. pour centaury ordinary with 1 glass of boiling water, and then leave for about 2 hours. Strain the finished product and put in a cool place. The medicine is taken in 1 tbsp. l. before eating;
• Calamus Root Powder Take 1/3 teaspoon three times a day 15 minutes before meals;
• fennel tea is also effective for heartburn. Ready-made medicine can be purchased at a pharmacy or you can add fennel seeds to regular tea leaves;
• To relieve the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn, make tea with pieces of fresh ginger root, and put a pinch of the powder of the same product in your food. If the attack is very painful, slowly chew a slice of fresh ginger.

How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy: useful notes

To prevent the onset of the disease, as well as to prevent recurrence, follow the recommendations of specialists: Such drugs not only relieve the internal organs of spasms, but also weaken the tone of the esophageal septum. As a result, the acid mass enters the esophagus and a burning sensation appears;

Heartburn medicines should preferably be taken with the knowledge of a physician. Many drugs contain magnesium, calcium and aluminum ions, therefore, with careless treatment, a pregnant woman can get them in excess, especially if she is already drinking a vitamin-mineral complex such as Calcemin. A competent specialist will take into account all the subtleties of the situation and prescribe the optimal dosage for the patient.

How to forget about heartburn during pregnancy? First of all, change your diet and lifestyle for the better. If such a correction does not bring positive results, select folk or medicinal remedies with the help of a gynecologist.

What helps with heartburn during pregnancy at home

Greetings, dear readers of my blog. This article is devoted to such an urgent problem for many women who are expecting babies, like heartburn. I want to tell you what helps with heartburn during pregnancy and does not harm the unborn baby and his mother.

I was prompted to write about this material by a recent case when, while spending time in the company of a friend who was “in a position”, I saw how she was in pain after we ate dessert. Our conversation turned to this topic, and I learned that the banal and "ancient" method of getting rid of burning sensation with soda can be very harmful during pregnancy.

I decided to find and collect in one material such methods that are absolutely safe for expectant mothers.

How not to be confused

First, let's deal with the symptoms. It would seem that it is impossible to confuse heartburn with something else. But as my friend told me, before pregnancy she had no idea about this disease. And when I first felt a strange sensation in the esophagus, I thought that I had eaten something wrong, and, probably, now the contents of the stomach would be “asked” back. That is, not every person can immediately understand what is happening to him.

Symptoms:

• Pain, burning in the esophagus (chest region).
• Fullness and feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
• Frequent eructations with much recent food and acid, but no gag reflexes.
• Sensation of a lump in the throat (as if not all the food had "failed").
• Persistent sour taste in the mouth.
• Flatulence, bloating, intestinal discomfort.

As a rule, burning sensations in the esophagus are the most basic, leading symptom.

Why it often happens in pregnant women

Many ordinary people suffer from heartburn. This may be due to poor nutrition, overweight, bad habits, frequent consumption of spicy, salty, gastrointestinal diseases. But why does it suddenly appear during pregnancy in women who have never experienced it before?

In itself, the unpleasant painful sensation is due to a sharp release of stomach acid into the esophagus. Irritation of the mucosa begins, and the person feels it as a burning sensation and pain. During pregnancy, this happens for two reasons:

1. In an "interesting situation" in the female body, the content of the hormone progesterone increases. He, in an increased amount, is able to relax smooth muscles. And here also the growing fetus puts pressure on all organs and muscles. Here are the valves of the stomach and do not withstand the load: the acid is thrown out where it should not be.
2. As the fetus develops, the amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastrointestinal tract of a pregnant woman also increases. With its excess, frequent emissions into the upper parts of the digestive system also occur.

These causes of heartburn are usually temporary and resolve after childbirth. So, ladies, be strong! And in order to alleviate this painful condition, we will consider all possible safe means that can help get rid of the disease.

Medications

Let's agree right away that any drug must be prescribed by a doctor. There can be no talk of any self-activity here. I just give a list of drugs that are allowed during pregnancy and lactation. But they should be prescribed by a specialist, in accordance with the individual condition of each woman.

So, drugs that can be used by pregnant women:

• Smecta (powder, diluted in water).
• Rennie (tablets to dissolve).
• Maalox (liquid, drunk neat).
• Talcid (chewable tablets).
• Gastal (tablets).
• Gaviscon (tablets).

All of the listed drugs should not be combined with each other and should not be taken with caution with certain other drugs. We carefully listen to the advice of the doctor and go to the pharmacy only after the prescription of the drug by a specialist!

Folk remedies

For a "pregnant woman" natural folk remedies are undoubtedly safer than chemical medicines. But even such methods must be approached wisely and carefully. First, consider why it is impossible to drink soda solution in the "position".

No soda

Many people are used to treating heartburn with baking soda (half a teaspoon dissolved in half a glass of water and drunk). The alkali contained in soda quickly and effectively extinguishes the acid and the pain disappears.

But this method is contraindicated for women who are expecting a baby, and here's why: soda is rich in sodium, and in large quantities it negatively affects the development of the fetus. It also causes swelling. There is nothing wrong with drinking soda once or twice, when there is nothing else at hand, and the pain is severe. But pregnant women should not use soda all the time.

What is allowed

At home, the following methods will help you deal with trouble:

• During an attack of heartburn, drink a glass of cool milk in small sips. The pain recedes very quickly.

• Peppermint is a good remedy. It can be brewed with tea or neat. It doesn't matter what kind of mint, dried or fresh, the main thing is that it is natural. You can drink mint tea after eating, then the burning sensation is unlikely to bother you. Or use half a glass of infusion when you feel pain. Store the infusion for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.

• Berry and fruit jelly (natural berries/fruits and starch, not store-bought ready-made mixes) is also great for this problem. You can drink regularly.

• Flax seed infusion not only eliminates heartburn, but also has a great effect on the digestive system. To do this: pour a handful of seeds (you can ground or ordinary) into a glass, pour boiling water, leave for a couple of hours. Drink before meals or when you have a burning sensation.

• If you chew on oatmeal, boiled corn, almonds or ordinary seeds, the burning sensation disappears.

• Regular carrot helps. You can just gnaw it or prepare such a salad: grate 1 carrot, pour a little olive oil, season with dill.

• When there is no time to cook something, insist, just swallow a spoonful of sunflower or olive oil.

• If you have a sweet tooth, keep dark chocolate in the house. A slice eaten with tea after a meal will prevent the release of acid.

• Potato broth is also a good remedy. It is good for the stomach. Just boil the peeled potatoes in lightly salted water. Cool the broth and drink a little after eating. If the symptom bothers you constantly, drink the decoction at night and in the morning on an empty stomach.

This is all that pregnant women can do without any fear. But there is no need to get carried away with various infusions of herbal preparations. Many plants are not as safe as they seem. They should also be used under the supervision of a specialist.

Homeopathic remedies give good results, but here you need to be sure of the qualifications of the homeopathic doctor.

What else helps to eliminate heartburn during pregnancy? This does not mean that you have to give up healthy and necessary products or favorite dishes.

It is only necessary to limit, and ideally exclude the following:

• Fatty oil dishes.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Too spicy and salty, sour food.

Moms - eat small meals (it is better to eat a little every 2-3 hours than to fill up "to the belly" 3 times a day). Even if you really want fried or salty, do not deny yourself, just do not abuse the amount.

Vegetables, herbs, dairy contain alkali and prevent the formation of acid. Dried fruits, especially prunes and dried apricots, have the same properties. You can eat any cereal. Don't forget to drink plain water. Without a sufficient amount of water, full-fledged metabolic processes in the body are impossible.

Foods that cause heartburn:

• tomatoes;
• citruses;
• onion, garlic;
• lamb;
• radish, radish;
• coffee;
• smoked products;
• mustard and other hot spices.
• vinegar.

It is dietary adjustment that is the most correct, safe and reliable method of preventing gastric diseases.

Weight gain

Of course, the appetite of the ladies "in position" is what you need! An exception is the period of toxicosis. But it passes, and the passion for food increases significantly. I want one thing, then another, and constantly pulls something to chew.

Women, be sure that the fetus is enough for the full development of what you use in the usual way. Do not think that two portions eaten instead of one will bring the baby more benefit. Rather, it will only bring harm.

Excessive weight gain, which "sin" many "pregnant women", provokes not only swelling, poor health, deterioration of some organs, but also diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The consequence of such disorders is heartburn. Try not to overeat. Remember: it is better to have a variety of products and little by little than one thing and in large quantities.

Yes, and after childbirth, it will be easier to lose weight when there is not so much excess.

Activity

Let's not forget that pregnancy is not a disease. No need to be lazy and wallow on the couch belly up. An inactive lifestyle provokes thousands of sores. Of course, jumping, running and lifting weights is not allowed here. But it is quite possible to sign up for fitness for pregnant women (in agreement with the doctor), walk more, do light exercises.

Daily cleaning of the house, evening walks, shopping - an excellent prevention from blood stasis and many other "byak". The more active you are during the day, the less likely you are to experience heartburn. The stomach digests food better and faster, all metabolic processes improve. Which activity options are better - you choose. But avoiding light physical activity is definitely not worth it.

Other helpful tips

• Do not wear tight clothing around the waist or stomach.
• Sleep on a pillow, climb on it higher so that the torso is slightly elevated.
• Do not be nervous (the digestive system has a powerful connection with the nerves, because it is not in vain that they say that a stomach ulcer is a disease from stress). In addition, when the nerves are in order, the immune system is much stronger.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating, walk or, in extreme cases, sit for half an hour before taking a horizontal position.
• Eat slowly, chewing food slowly and thoroughly.
• Do not eat before bed.

Try folk ways to get rid of heartburn first. If nothing helps, only then resort to medical treatment. Don't worry about your fetus. The symptom does not affect him in any way. Even if you suffer from it often, the baby will not feel it in any way.

In 99% of cases, the symptoms caused by pregnancy disappear after childbirth. If heartburn remains and continues to bother you, you need to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Perhaps the reason is in other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. But even such serious illnesses as ulcers, colitis, gastritis can be cured with a diet, however, it will take a long time to follow it.

The best prevention of all diseases is good mood, positive attitude, laughter and smiles.

Be healthy and happy, dear mothers!

Medicines for heartburn allowed for pregnant women - a list of 10 drugs

Heartburn is an integral companion of almost every woman in an "interesting" position. And, of course, every expectant mother should know how to alleviate it so as not to harm the unborn child (an article about heartburn).

The modern choice of drugs for heartburn is huge, they are divided into two types according to the principle of action: antacids and antisecretory. The first group reduces acidity in the stomach, the second - prevents the secretion of gastric juice. Let's try to figure out which drugs will help eliminate heartburn and will not harm a pregnant woman:

1. Phosphalugel

This drug eliminates an unpleasant symptom within a few minutes. The active substance in it is aluminum phosphate at a concentration of 20%, which neutralizes the acid in the stomach. In addition, this medicine has a sorbent effect.

You should not use it often during pregnancy, because when harmful substances are removed from the body, useful ones can also be lost. Also, taking phosphalugel can be accompanied by an unpleasant side effect - constipation.

The price of drugs in different pharmacy chains ranges from 280 to 350 rubles.

2. Almagel

Produced as a suspension, it belongs to antacids. It contains hydroxides of aluminum and magnesium.

Its advantages over other drugs include a fairly low cost - within 200 r. But pregnant women can use almagel for no more than three days in a row.

The action of this remedy lasts only about one and a half hours, so if the symptom is frequent, it is better to choose another remedy.

3. Gastal

It contains aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel and magnesium hydroxide, which neutralize the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. Available in the form of lozenges, which is very convenient when traveling.

Gastal should be taken occasionally during pregnancy, as an unpleasant symptom occurs. It is also better for expectant mothers to buy unflavoured tablets to exclude the possibility of allergies.

The price of the medicine depends on the volume of the package: the lower limit is 150 rubles. for 12 tablets, the top one - 350 r. for 60 pieces.

4. Maalox

Like other antacids, it contains aluminum and magnesium hydroxides. Available in the form of a suspension and tablets. Has an analgesic effect. This property is especially important in cases where heartburn is accompanied by pain. Pregnant women should not use the drug for more than three days in a row. A suspension can be bought for 380 - 420 rubles, and tablets in the region of 250 rubles.

5. Gastracid

Its composition is similar to other drugs, the action of which is aimed at neutralizing the acid, that is, the active substances are aluminum and magnesium hydroxides. But unlike other drugs, its use during pregnancy is allowed only in extreme cases. Although its price is low - up to 150 rubles, it is better to give preference to other medicines.

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6. Rutacid

The active substance of this preparation is hydrotalcite. It helps to reduce the level of acidity to normal. This medicine has a long-term effect, but it is better not to use it during pregnancy.

The effect of the active substance on the development of the fetus has not been studied, so the drug should be taken only in cases where the potential benefit to the expectant mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

The cost of the drug does not exceed 200 rubles.

7. Rennie

This is the safest drug for pregnant women. Its active components are calcium and magnesium carbonates. It is produced in the form of tablets, although there is Rennie Express in granules. The price of the drug varies depending on the number of tablets in the package: 12 pcs. - 150r; 48 pieces - 350 rubles For a granular medicine, you can give up to 200 rubles. for 10 sachets.

8. Iberogast

This is one of the newest heartburn remedies. It is an alcoholic infusion of various herbs. The medicine is good, of natural origin, but it is not recommended for pregnant women to take it.

The use of Iberogast during pregnancy is possible only in cases where there is no possibility of using other drugs (for example, intolerance or allergic reactions). The drug is available in the form of drops.

Price 450 rubles. for 50 ml of tincture.

9. Ranitidine

This drug prevents the production of gastric juice, thereby relieving heartburn. Pregnant women should take this medicine only in cases where heartburn is the result of an exacerbation of peptic ulcer.

This precaution is due to the fact that no testing has been done on pregnant women. Although animal studies have given good results, the effect on the human fetus has not been investigated.

The medicine has a low price - up to 100 rubles.

10. Gestide

Refers to combined antacids, includes magnesium and aluminum hydroxides, magnesium trisilicate. This drug can be taken during pregnancy. It is well tolerated, side effects are very few and extremely rare. Gestide has the form of chewable tablets and has a low cost - up to 100 rubles.

Also pay attention to ORTHANOL and GEVISCON - after consultation with your doctor!

All antacids have one unpleasant feature: a decrease in the absorption of certain substances, including iron. Therefore, with low hemoglobin, one should refrain from using them.

No matter how modern and effective the drug is, it is important to remember that taking any medication should be started only after consulting a doctor. During pregnancy, you need to talk to a special therapist, who must work at every antenatal clinic. The specialist will prescribe you a medicine that will cause the least harm to the baby.

READ ALSO: soda for heartburn PROS and CONS

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What helps with heartburn during pregnancy: folk remedies, medicines, products / Mama66.ru

Heartburn is a frequent companion of pregnancy. In the early stages, it is caused by hormonal changes, an increase in the level of progesterone in the body, and in the later stages, a growing fetus that presses on the stomach. Remedies for heartburn during pregnancy should be not only effective, but also safe.

The fight against an unpleasant symptom begins with the correction of nutrition and lifestyle, if these measures do not bring relief, then the question arises of folk remedies and medications.

It is unlikely that it will be possible to eliminate heartburn for all 9 months, but it is quite possible to reduce its manifestations. Not all expectant mothers are suitable for the same means, each organism is individual, so the selection is carried out empirically.

Lifestyle and dietary guidelines

Choosing a medicine for heartburn during pregnancy is necessary only if the correction of nutrition and lifestyle in general does not bring results.

First of all, you should review your diet:

• reduce portions to prevent overeating;
• refuse fried, fatty foods, smoked meats, hot sauces and seasonings;
• exclude acidic drinks and foods;
• limit the consumption of vegetables with a high fiber content - white cabbage, garlic, onions, radishes, radishes;
• at the first sign of heartburn, give up mushrooms, nuts, black bread, chocolate, coffee and strong tea.

Recommended products for heartburn during pregnancy - oatmeal, carrots, milk, kefir, yogurt. Also in the diet should be present thick soups, mashed potatoes, viscous cereals (except pearl barley, millet and corn).

An example menu might be:

1. Breakfast: milk porridge, bread and butter, tea, soft-boiled egg.
2. Second breakfast: yogurt with cookies or cottage cheese with sour cream.
3. Lunch: vegetable puree soup, rice with fish, vegetable salad (except forbidden ones), sweet compote.
4. Snack: baked apples, biscuits.
5. Dinner: vegetable stew, steamed cutlet, toasted bread.
6. Snack before bed: kefir or yogurt.

Dinner should be no later than 3 hours before bedtime. If heartburn is already present, then it is better to replace the steamed cutlet with a glass of milk.

To avoid burning, walk or do something in an upright position (standing) for half an hour after eating. If you immediately lie down or sit down and remain motionless, the peristalsis of the digestive tract will slow down, the food will stay in the stomach for a long time, and heartburn will appear.

It is important to observe certain physical activity and body position. Physical exercises with inclinations and tension of the muscles of the press provoke the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. To avoid this, you need to keep your spine straight for as long as possible during the day. This will relieve pressure on the stomach.

Clothing should be loose, especially around the abdomen. If heartburn appeared in the supine position, you need to get up, walk around a bit, drink water, eat unsweetened cookies (biscuits).

Medicines for heartburn during pregnancy

Medicines for heartburn during pregnancy are divided into 2 groups: alginates and antacids. The mechanism of their action is different, as well as contraindications, side effects.

Alginates are based on a vegetable ingredient. By chemical treatment of brown algae, substances are isolated that are able to neutralize pepsin and hydrochloric acid.

As a result of this reaction, calcium ions are formed. They convert alginic acid into a single network (film). The surface of the stomach and esophagus is protected by a gel layer for 4 hours.

As a result, even if there is a reflux of gastric juice, it is quickly neutralized.

Alginates relieve burning retrosternal pain and do not damage the mucous membrane of the digestive tract even in the presence of gastritis or ulcers. They have practically no contraindications and side effects. This group of drugs includes Gaviscon and Calcium Alginate. There are dietary therapeutic and prophylactic products with a similar effect - Laminal, Magnesium algalan.

Are alginates safe during pregnancy? Their use is permissible throughout all 9months, since they are not absorbed, enveloping the esophagus and stomach, absorb harmful compounds, restore the microflora in the intestines, and act quickly. Cases of individual intolerance are extremely rare, rather, on the contrary, by absorbing harmful compounds in the digestive tract, alginates prevent the development of allergic reactions.

The disadvantages of alginates include their high cost and insufficient prevalence in the pharmacy network. In addition, individual hypersensitivity to the components is not excluded.

Antacids are a better known group of drugs for heartburn during pregnancy. They are divided into absorbable and non-absorbable.

The former are used during pregnancy with great caution. After they are taken, sodium ions are absorbed through the intestinal walls and cause fluid retention in the body. There are swelling on the legs, less often on the hands and face.

When carrying a child, the kidneys receive a double load, especially in the later stages, so excess fluid is excreted with difficulty. An example of an absorbable antacid is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

Non-absorbable antacids contain mostly magnesium and aluminum ions. These compounds contribute to the development of constipation, as well as the loss of phosphorus, which can lead to mental retardation of the child. Magnesium acts in the intestines, increasing its motility and causing diarrhea. This group includes Phosphalugel, Gasterin.

The best choice among antacids is combined preparations. Their formula is balanced, which minimizes the risk of side effects.

Two-component antacids neutralize gastric juice, calcium contained in them strengthens bones, and magnesium in small doses heals ulcers of the mucous membrane and eliminates constipation.

Combined antacids include Almagel Neo, Relzer, Gastal, Rennie. Read more about the use of Rennie during pregnancy →

Which is better to take for heartburn during pregnancy: alginates or antacids? The former are safer, but they are not always available in the nearest pharmacy and the cost is high. The best option would be combined antacids in the minimum effective dosage.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy are safer than drugs, and at the same time quite effective.

What helps against heartburn during pregnancy:

• Common heather infusion. In 0.5 liters of boiling water pour 1 tbsp. l. herbs, boil it for 2 minutes, then insist for half an hour. Strain the finished broth and put it in the refrigerator. Drink 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
• Infusion of centaury ordinary. Pour boiling water into a glass, add 0.5 tbsp. l. herbs, insist for 2 hours. Strain, refrigerate for storage. Take 1 tbsp each time before meals. l.
• Calamus root. It is necessary to prepare a powder from raw materials, carefully grinding it (or purchase it ready-made). Take 1/3 tsp. 3 times a day before meals.
• Fennel tea. You can purchase a ready-made collection for making a drink or add seeds to regular tea during brewing.
• Drinks and dishes with ginger. The root can be added to tea, and, crushed into powder, season dishes. For severe heartburn, cut off a slice of ginger and chew it slowly.

Before preparing and taking folk remedies for heartburn during pregnancy, do not forget to consult your doctor. It is undesirable to use unfamiliar plants, as they may be allergic, the chance is small, but pregnancy is not the time for risk.

A pregnant woman can get rid of heartburn with folk remedies by drinking milk or eating a couple of spoons of grated carrots. Expectant mothers are also helped by honey, which is chewed along with honeycombs or sucked on a teaspoon. But one of the most popular remedies for heartburn - soda - is not recommended during pregnancy.

Precautions

To avoid the development of heartburn during pregnancy, you should take the following precautions:

• Do not take antispasmodics (No-shpu, Drotaverine, Papaverine) without a strong need. They relieve spasm of the muscles of internal organs, including reducing the tone of the esophageal sphincter. As a result, the contents of the stomach are thrown into it, causing a burning sensation.
• Do not take baking soda for heartburn. This remedy is very widespread, it really quickly eliminates burning, but not for long.

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