Heartburn can occur during pregnancy, starting from the first trimester. Usually, it goes on getting worse with passing phases of pregnancy. Pregnancy heartburn is somewhat more serious because the expectant mother is more careful about various changes occurring in the body during pregnancy.

How to Reduce Heartburn during Pregnancy?

Depending upon acidity pills as a regular way to treat heartburn during pregnancy is not healthy in any way. It is better to go for home remedies and lifestyle changes to treat heartburn during pregnancy.

11 Ways to Reduce Heartburn During Pregnancy

1. Coconut water

Coconut water is super hydrating and thus helps in preventing the burning sensations. And Coconut water not only soothes heartburn but also promotes better stomach health. Moreover, it is naturally refreshing. Regular consumption of coconut water helps reduce the acid reflux thus reducing heartburn as well. Most importantly, it is completely safe for pregnant women.

Read More: Health Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

2. Almond Oil

Almonds have numerous health benefits. Almond oil helps to reduce heartburn during pregnancy by reducing the frequency of acid reflux. Almonds also contain high medicinal value. This makes it important to eat almond on a regular basis to reduce stomach problems and improve blood circulations.

Read More: 11 Essential Oils to Avoid during Pregnancy

3. Milk and Honey

The pH level of milk is alkaline and helps to reduce acidic levels in the stomach. Honey, on the other hand, soothes heartburn in pregnant women while simultaneously boosting the immune system. Drinking honey powered milk helps to cure upset stomach, thus providing relief from heartburn.

Take a glass of warm milk and add two tablespoons of honey to it. Drink this two times a day to reduce the frequency and extent of heartburn during pregnancy. In addition, this will also promote better health during pregnancy.

Read More: 10 Pregnancy Foods to get a Fair Baby

4. Ginger

Ginger is a natural herb that soothes the stomach, irrespective of the form it is consumed in. You can add ginger to your soup, or brew it in your tea to make ginger tea. In addition to heartburn, ginger also helps alleviate other pregnancy related health issues, like morning sickness and nausea.

5. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds work effectively to provide relief from pregnancy heartburn for its therapeutic nature. It helps to treat indigestion naturally. As suggested by Ayurveda, daily consumption of fennel seeds before bed helps to avoid heartburn completely.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt works as a quick means to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy. It reduces the acidity level by regulating the pH levels. The content of probiotics helps in colon cleaning, thus reducing heartburn.  

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is used as a heartburn remedy for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. It soothes the stomach and improves blood circulation to relieve heartburn.          

8. Avoid trigger foods

Make a note of foods that trigger acid reflux in your body. These foods can be different for every person. Common foods can include onions, garlic, peppermint, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, fatty, greasy, spicy, or fried foods. Besides, acidic and citrus foods can also cause acid reflux.

9. Stay Upright after Meals

Staying upright after meals reduces the risk of acid flowing back into the esophagus. It is less likely that you will suffer from heartburn if you sit up right after meals. Many women are tempted to lie down soon after eating, which is a big no-no if you are susceptible to heartburn episodes.

10. Avoid big meals at night or late night eating

Make sure to have your last meal of the day at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. This would reduce stomach acid while allowing the stomach to partially empty the contents before sleeping. Large meals can put pressure on the stomach. Therefore, try to take 5-6 small meals a day rather than three big meals. Also avoid heavy meals post evening.

11. Sleep Position

When you lie down flat in bed, the throat and the stomach stay at the same level. This makes it easier for the acid to flow back into the esophagus, thus leading to heartburn. It is, therefore, suggested to elevate your upper body while sleeping. This can be done in two ways:

• Put your bed’s head on 5- to 6-inch blocks.
• Try to sleep on a wedge-shaped pillow. The pillow should be at least 6-8 inches thick on one side. However, avoid substituting regular pillows for they just raise the head and not the entire upper body.

Read More: Is It Ok To Sleep On Your Back During Pregnancy?

If, in any case, you don’t find these lifestyle changes helpful and effective in reducing the symptoms of heartburn, it’s better to consult your doctor and get proper treatment.