A woman’s body has an increase in hormonal production due to the presence of the fetus. The hormones actually soften the ligaments surrounding the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which makes it more prone to open at inappropriate times, allowing gastric fluids to flow back into the stomach and throat. This creates an imbalance in the composition of the digestive fluids.
The presence of the fetus also creates a problem in that it occupies space that normally is empty. This makes it a bit crowded and the fluids have to flow somewhere and the esophagus and throat are the most likely places. This again creates an imbalance and can lead to acid reflux. As the baby grows the space available for fluids decreases.
Many methods have been tried to reduce this discomfort and the fl following have proved to be effective:
• Foods that produce acidity in the stomach should be eliminated from the diet. Food stuffs such as chocolates, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, mustard, tomato based products, oily foods, anything fried, and dishes with extra seasoning are candidates for generating excess acids. If you have any questions, you can consult any number of nutritionists or web sites for a list of what foods to avoid and what foods to include.
• Certain types of drinks should be avoided as well. Coffee, soft drinks, tea all contain varying amounts of caffeine which is known to generate acid in the system by relaxing the LES and letting acid back into the esophagus. Alcoholic beverages also relax the LES and also should be avoided for the negative effects on the fetus.
• Overeating also creates bulk in the stomach, making backflow into the esophagus more likely. Smaller meals should be spaced at intervals to avoid overcrowding in the stomach.
• There is no substitute for chewing your food thoroughly. This aids in digestion as less stomach acid is produced to process smaller pieces of food.
• Take time between eating and sleeping. Lying in a prone position will increase the flow of fluids into the stomach and should be avoided until your system has had a chance to work properly.
• Water is a great aid in digestion and in diluting the stomach acids. Do not take too much water with your meals but rather space them at intervals in order to avoid the overcrowding effect as described above. The LES is affected negatively by too much pressure on it and will not work correctly.
• Elevating the head of the bed about six to eight inches will keep gravity from exerting too much of an effect on the passage of fluids back into the esophagus. A wedge pillow will help greatly in this.
• Clothes that are too tight should be avoided. Any sort of extra pressure on the stomach will lead to negative consequences.
• Posture and positioning are important to keeping pressure off your mid section. Bend at the knees rather than the back so as lessen the strain. While sitting, do not slouch down but stay erect as much as possible as this again decreases the pressure.
• Pay attention to your doctor’s instructions as far as weight gain is concerned. Try not to gain too much weight as any increase in your body will hamper the appropriate acid flow.
• Above all, do not smoke. This is harmful to the fetus and will produce extra acids in your system.
ACID REFLUX * CAUSES * SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX * ADULT ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY * ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND SORE THROATS * ACID REFLUX IN CHILDREN * ACID REFLUX IN BABIES * ACID REFLUX TREATMENT * ACID REFLUX NATURAL CURES