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Is heartburn normal during pregnancy?

Written by: P&N

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If you’re suffering from heartburn, try the following tips courtesy of Beth Schorr-Lesnick, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and member of the American College of Gastroenterology Public Relations committee.

Elevate the head of the bed
Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid eating late at night
Avoid caffeine, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, and tomato-based and fatty foods
Try chewing gum (cinnamon flavored works well) or sucking on hard candy
Antacids containing magnesium or calcium are fine, but avoid those containing sodium bicarbonate.
If none of these tips help, talk to your ob or midwife about prescription drugs that might offer further relief.

Those are all good

By healthybaby

Those are all good suggestions. Heartburn during pregnancy is caused mostly by an annoying hormone called Relaxin that is meant to "relax" the pelvis to ensure more room for baby and an easier descent at delivery. Unfortunately Relaxin also "relaxes" a lot of other tissues such as the sphincter that is supposed to shut your esophagus from the stomach....hence foods may trickle back up..... calcium and magnesium are the best remedies to create a more alkaline mileu, but avoiding certain foods can be preventable. i would avoid all things processed, sugar and white carbohydrates. Eat whole grains, non-citrus y fruits, and lots of green veggies. Most people that avoid processed foods don't suffer from heartburn. Although pregnancy being what it is, rules don't apply.....:) Birgitta Lauren www.expectingfitness.com