6 Ways to Combat Pregnancy Heartburn — Cloud Nine Birth Services | Birth Doula Services | Postpartum Doula Services

Heartburn isn’t fun on the best of days, but when you’re pregnant, it’s overwhelming and can make everyday life difficult! Sleeping, eating, or even hanging out with friends makes you feel tired and unwell.

Here are some tips to help fight the burn naturally!

1. Loosen it up – Clothes can be tighter than you realize. Loosen your pants or buy bigger underwear! You can also loosen your bra (especially if you use an underwire!). Bras that are too tight can also cause back pain, so it can have many benefits to loosen up your underwear!

2. Milk – A good glass of milk is a natural alkaline that can soothe the acidity in your stomach. Low-fat or skim is best because 2% or whole milk has a higher fat content and adds to the issue. Low fat yogurt can help too!

3. Change it to your position – Change your position, especially if you are lying down. Standing on the right side will help bring back the acid. Make sure to stay straight especially after eating. If you must lie down, try lying on your left side as studies have shown that this reduces acid in the esophagus. Using some pillows to elevate your head can be an added bonus to you too!

4. when will you eat – Think about the time of day you eat. If you are eating at midnight and lying in bed, this can be difficult. Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of several larger ones and give yourself at least 30 minutes before bed for a good night’s sleep.

5. Watch what you eat – Acidic foods such as tomato-based foods, citrus foods, and spicy foods can damage the stomach. Try to choose foods with a higher fiber content (like whole grains) or alkaline foods (like bananas) and foods with a high water content (watermelon is in season!). Additionally – avoiding caffeine as much as possible! Caffeine can increase the acid in your stomach and create a very uncomfortable esophagus.

6. Ask your doc or midwife! — If all else fails, ask your doctor or midwife if they can offer over the counter suggestions that may be safe for you and your baby such as acid reducers (TUMS), Milk of Magnesia, or others medicines.

Hope some of these tips help relieve your heartburn. And remember the old midwife’s tale that heartburn means a hairy baby. Maybe your babe is growing amazing locks!

*Written by Teri Hatfield, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator*