Do you feel your chest burning after a big meal? Do you toss and turn, feeling nauseous? You are probably suffering from a symptom common to all expecting moms – heartburn.

Heartburn (or acid reflux) is caused by a hormone called progesterone which softens the muscles of the uterus.  Consequently, it also relaxes a valve in your chest area allowing gastric acids to reflux, thus causing a burning sensation in your upper chest and throat. 

The progesterone hormone slows down your esophagus's reaction, making digestion harder and slower. Later in the pregnancy, your growing baby will be responsible for heartburn and indigestion, pushing gastric acids to your throat.

The heartburn usually grows strong in the second half of the pregnancy and stays until the baby is born. However, there is no point in suffering from it constantly. Here are a few ways to ease heartburn:

• Foods and drinks to consume moderately: alcohol, drinks which contain caffeine (coffee, black tea, sodas), citrus juices (you can drink a glass OJ in the morning, but it is wise to avoid lemonade or grapefruit juice), chocolate (which also contains caffeine), spicy foods, mustard, mint or peppermint, processed meats and other processed foods which contain large amounts of salt.

• Eat smaller meals – do not stuff yourself. Eat smaller meals more times a day instead of three big meals. This will help your digestive system and will not make you congested.

• Wear loose clothes. Wearing a tight blouse puts pressure on your abdomen which immediately manifests in heartburn.

• Eat and drink at separate times. Extra fluid in the digestive system causes indigestion and gassiness.

• Chew gum: chewing gum produces saliva which helps to neutralize acids.

• Increase your calcium intake. Calcium helps your digestive system to work easily.

• Do not eat before bedtime.

• Watch your weight gain. Your weight gain should be gradual and moderate.
Excessive weight gain outcome can manifest in heartburn, high blood pressure and even fat in liver, which causes fatigue.

• Be aware of your movements. Bending over can activate your gastric acids. Instead of bending from your waist, bend from your knees. Avoid jumping around; this is a sure way to feel bad.
 

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