Evie Summers
Heartburn is a common condition during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is caused by hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing against the stomach, which pushes stomach acid up into the oesophagus. This can cause a burning pain in the chest, especially after eating. To improve sleep during the third trimester, it is recommended to make dietary changes, such as avoiding spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, as well as caffeine and carbonated drinks. Eating smaller meals throughout the day, avoiding eating close to bedtime, and propping up the head while sleeping can also help alleviate heartburn symptoms and improve sleep quality. Additionally, certain medications, such as antacids, are considered safe to use during pregnancy and can provide relief from heartburn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping position | Sleep on your left side with your legs slightly tucked up toward your chin. |
| Pillow support | Prop up your head and shoulders with pillows to prevent stomach acid from rising. |
| Timing | Avoid eating or drinking anything within three hours of bedtime. |
| Food and drink | Avoid citrus fruits, spicy, fatty, fried, and acidic foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. |
| Meals | Eat several small meals throughout the day, and take your time when eating. |
| Liquids | Drink liquids between meals, not during. |
| Lifestyle | Avoid tobacco and smoking. |
| Natural remedies | Eat yoghurt, drink milk with honey, or eat pineapple, papaya, ginger, or almonds. |
| Medication | Antacids, alginates, or doctor-prescribed medication. |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid heartburn triggers: citrus, spice, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, etc
- Eat small meals, slowly, and not too close to bedtime
- Sleep propped up to prevent acid reflux
- Try natural remedies: yoghurt, milk and honey, almonds, pineapple, papaya, ginger
- Medication: antacids, alginates, or doctor-prescribed alternatives
Avoid heartburn triggers: citrus, spice, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, etc
Heartburn is a common issue during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This is due to hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach. To avoid heartburn triggers, it is recommended to stay away from citrus fruits and juices, spicy and fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. Here are some specific suggestions to help you avoid these triggers:
Citrus:
Avoid citrus fruits and juices, as they can be acidic and trigger heartburn.
Spice:
Stay away from spicy foods, as they can irritate the oesophagus and trigger heartburn.
Caffeine:
Limit your caffeine intake, as caffeine can relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, making it easier for acid to travel upwards.
Chocolate:
Avoid chocolate, as it can be fatty and trigger heartburn.
Alcohol:
Refrain from consuming alcohol, as it can contribute to indigestion and cause long-term harm to the baby.
In addition to avoiding these triggers, you can also try to eat several small meals throughout the day, eat slowly, and avoid lying down right after meals. Sleeping on your left side with your head and shoulders propped up can also help to prevent heartburn at night.
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Eat small meals, slowly, and not too close to bedtime
Eating smaller meals, slowly, and not too close to bedtime can help reduce heartburn during the third trimester. Heartburn is a common issue during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester when the growing uterus exerts pressure on the stomach, pushing stomach acid up into the oesophagus. This can be exacerbated by the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscle that usually keeps stomach contents down.
To combat this, it is recommended that you eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Eating smaller meals more slowly can help to reduce the likelihood of stomach acid travelling back up into the oesophagus. It is also important to avoid eating too close to bedtime. Aim to leave at least three hours between your last meal and bedtime. This gives your body time to digest the food and reduces the risk of acid reflux while you sleep.
It is also recommended to avoid lying down immediately after eating. If you are feeling tired after a meal, consider napping in an upright position. This will help to keep stomach acid from travelling back up into the oesophagus. In addition, it is important to sit up straight while eating. This simple adjustment can help prevent heartburn.
By following these recommendations, you can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn during your third trimester, improving your sleep quality and overall comfort during this time.
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Sleep propped up to prevent acid reflux
Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a common issue during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, due to hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach. This can cause a burning pain in the chest and stomach. To prevent acid reflux, it is recommended that you prop up your head and shoulders when sleeping, so as to stop stomach acid from rising. This can be done by raising the head of your bed a few inches or by using pillows to prop yourself up. It is also recommended to sleep on your left side, as this can help to alleviate reflux-related sleep problems due to the position of the stomach and the angle of the connection between it and the oesophagus.
To further prevent acid reflux, it is important to consider your diet and lifestyle. Avoid eating large meals and instead opt for several small meals throughout the day. Take your time when eating and avoid lying down or exercising immediately after a meal. It is also recommended to avoid certain foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as citrus fruits, spicy and fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, and carbonated drinks. Finish your last meal at least three hours before lying down to give your body time to digest.
If you are still experiencing acid reflux, you may want to consider taking medication. Antacids can be effective in neutralising stomach acid and are safe to take during pregnancy if you follow the recommended dosage. Alginates can also be used to relieve acid reflux by preventing stomach acid from rising. If these over-the-counter medications do not work, consult your doctor or midwife, who may prescribe other medicines that are safe for use during pregnancy.
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Try natural remedies: yoghurt, milk and honey, almonds, pineapple, papaya, ginger
Heartburn is a common ailment during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. While there are medications available, you may prefer to try some natural remedies first. Here are some natural remedies that might help you sleep better during the third trimester of your pregnancy by reducing heartburn:
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great option for treating heartburn due to its probiotics and soothing texture. It can extinguish heartburn or, at the very least, reduce its intensity.
Milk and Honey
According to the American Pregnancy Association, mixing a tablespoon of honey into a glass of warm milk can help neutralize heartburn-causing acid. Honey has a long history of use in treating various ailments, and this natural remedy may provide you with some relief.
Almonds
Almonds have a lower acidity level than other nuts, and their natural properties can help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn symptoms.
Pineapple and Papaya
The digestive enzymes in pineapple and papaya can aid digestion and reduce the chances of heartburn. Eating these fruits after meals can help ease symptoms and improve digestion.
Ginger
Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and reduce inflammation. It can also prevent stomach acid from traveling up the oesophagus, making it a useful remedy for heartburn.
In addition to these natural remedies, there are other general tips that can help prevent heartburn during pregnancy. These include avoiding lying down immediately after eating, sleeping with your head propped up, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist.
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Medication: antacids, alginates, or doctor-prescribed alternatives
If lifestyle and dietary changes are not helping to alleviate your heartburn, medication may be the next step. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication for heartburn during pregnancy, as some may not be suitable.
Antacids
Antacids can be used to neutralise the acid in your stomach and relieve symptoms of heartburn. They are available over the counter from a pharmacist, but it is important to tell them that you are pregnant, as some antacids are not suitable. Antacids should also not be taken within two hours of taking folic acid or iron supplements, as they can stop your body from absorbing these supplements.
Alginates
Alginates can help to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by stopping stomach acid from coming back up into your gullet. These can also be purchased over the counter, but you should still consult your pharmacist to ensure you are taking a suitable medication.
Doctor-prescribed alternatives
If antacids and alginates do not improve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
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Frequently asked questions
Try propping up your head and shoulders with pillows to prevent stomach acid from rising up your oesophagus. Sleeping on your left side is also recommended as it improves blood flow to the uterus and helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
Greasy, spicy, and fatty foods can trigger heartburn. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits and juices.
Yogurt, milk with honey, almonds, pineapple, papaya, and ginger can all help ease heartburn symptoms.
Eat small meals slowly and avoid lying down or exercising after meals. It is also recommended to avoid eating and drinking at the same time.
Antacids can help relieve symptoms quickly and are considered safe during pregnancy if taken as directed. Alginates can also help relieve acid reflux. If these do not work, consult your doctor or midwife for other recommended medications.
