Heartburn hell

[septima66]

Have you ever had heartburn so bad that it actually makes your teeth hurt and your head pound? Hearburn so bad that you're clutching the couch, doing Lamaze type breathing to get through the pain and asking God (and any other deity that may be listening) to please please let it stop. Heartburn so bad that 2 Pepcid, more Tums than I can count

Comments

[djin7]

Milk is BAD for heartburn. It is very hard to digest, and stimulates your stomach to secrete more acid. That's why so many people are lactose intolerant. It feels good going down, but makes you much worse in the long run.

Here are some standard tips for pregnancy heartburn, and I hope you feel better soon!

Though you may not be able to eliminate heartburn entirely, you can take steps to minimize your discomfort:

• Avoid food and beverages that cause you gastrointestinal distress. The usual suspects are carbonated drinks; alcohol (which you should avoid anyway during pregnancy); caffeine; chocolate; acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar; processed meats; mint products; and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.

• Don't eat big meals. Instead, eat several small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.

• Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals - you don't want to distend your stomach. (It's important to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily during pregnancy, but sip it between meals.)

• Try chewing gum after eating. Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help neutralize acid.

• Don't eat close to bedtime. Give yourself two to three hours to digest before you lie down.

• Sleep propped up with several pillows or a wedge. Elevating your upper body will help keep your stomach acids where they belong and will aid your digestion.

• Gain a sensible amount of weight, and stay within the guidelines your healthcare provider suggests.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid any tightness around your waist and tummy.

• Bend at the knees instead of at the waist.

• Don't smoke - in addition to contributing to a host of serious health problems, smoking boosts stomach acidity. (Ideally, smoking is a habit you should break before getting pregnant. If you're still smoking and are having trouble quitting, ask your caregiver for a referral to a smoking-cessation program.)

• An over-the-counter antacid that contains magnesium or calcium may ease discomfort, but check with your prenatal caregiver before taking one, because some brands contain aluminum or aspirin or are high in sodium. You should also check in with your healthcare provider if none of these suggestions helps.

[septima66]

Thank you so much for these tips! Firstly I had no idea that milk was bad for heartburn. You're right, it feels wonderful going down but it never does help. I've never been lactose intolerant so I've never given it another thought (although my 5 year old shows signs of it). I do drink soda and I always knew caffeine gave me heartburn so I've avoided that for years by drinking non-caffeine drinks like Sprite and 7up but they are carbonated so apparently while pregnant they are a no no. I haven't gotten out my maternity clothes yet so I am wearing shorts that tend to be a little tight around the waist. I guess I need to get off my duff and delve into the storage room so I can dig those out. I need to clean out storage room anyways since that is going to be the baby's bedroom. I think the main culprit is that I don't have a gallbladder anymore and since that was removed I have suffered from periodic bouts of heartburn but never anything as bad what has been happening lately.

Thank you again and I'll be putting these tips to good use!