What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common stomach discomfort. Many pregnant women experience it daily. There is severe pain in the stomach, due to acid that flows up into the esophagus producing a burning sensation and discomfort.

Symptoms of Heartburn

1. They usually occur when you are lying down or after you eat.
2. When you lie down discomfort usually worsens.
3. Burning sensation and pain in the upper-abdomen, it moves up into the chest and then to the neck and back of the throat.
4. Nausea in some cases.
5. Bitter gastric juices regurgitate and there is belching.

Causes of Heartburn

1. The lining of the stomach is irritated when the lower esophageal sphincter, do not close properly and acid gushes in.
2. This occurs usually after meals when the stomach is secreting gastric juices and when pressure pushes the stomach contents upwards. Overweight, pregnant women and people above 40 years of age also face threat.

Home Remedies for Heartburn

1. If you realize that you are going to get heartburn, take new antacid medications called H2 – blockers.
2. To prevent excess acid from being secreted, the OTC versions should be taken before heartburn strikes.
3. Antacids available in liquid, tablet, regular and extra-strength formulations, should be taken 1 to 3 hours after eating.
4. However remember that antacid containing calcium causes constipation and the ones with magnesium cause diarrhea.

Prevention of Heartburn

1. Lose weight if you are obese.
2. Heartburn due to stress can be reduced by regular exercise, relaxation techniques and through professional techniques.
3. Don’t eat large meals before going to sleep. After eating stay upright for several hours.
4. Alcohol intake should be kept to a minimum and smoking should be avoided.
5. Fatty and acidic foods like grapes, oranges, tomatoes, red wine, peppermints, chocolates and greasy or fried meat, should be avoided.
6. Asthma medications, antihistamines, antihypertensives, birth control pills and sedatives may aggravate heartburn.
7. If you get heartburn every time you lie down, raise your bed by 6 inches in the head region.
8. After a hearty meal, loosen your belt to prevent squeezing of the stomach.
9. Caffeine in chocolate, coffee, tea and soda can increase the production of stomach acid.
10. Eat frequent smaller meals, so that acid production is kept under control.
11. Avoid constipation, because straining during bowel movements can increase abdominal pressure and encourage heartburn.
12. Milk is not an antidote to heartburn, because it lacks buffering action and eventually will produce more acid.