Home Remedies for Acid Reflux during Pregnancy

Prevention

• There are a number of small steps you can take to prevent acid reflux. Avoid trigger foods such as caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, acidic foods, fried foods and peppermints. Try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. When you eat small meals, your body is able to empty the acidic contents of the stomach more quickly. While eating, avoid drinking large quantities of fluids. Liquid in the stomach will mix with the food and increase the chance of acid back flow. Instead, drink plenty of water between meals. Also try chewing gum or sucking on hard candy (not peppermints) between meals. This will increase saliva production and the amount of times you swallow, both of which help clear away any acid in the esophagus.

  Acid reflux can become particularly worse while sleeping, since a reclining position allows acid to flow more easily into the esophagus. To prevention acid reflux at night, elevate the head of your bed by a few inches. Place bed stands or sturdy blocks underneath the legs on the head of your bed. This will allow your body to stay in a slightly angled position during the night, keeping your stomach below your esophagus. According to HealthCentral.com, pregnant women also find that lying on their left side decreases acid reflux while sleeping.

Treatment

• If your prevention techniques have failed, you will likely need to take medication. Antacids are effective at treating acid reflux and are safe to use during pregnancy, because they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Antacids include Mylanta and Maalox. H2 blockers such as Zantac and Pepcid are also effective, but they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Speak with your physician before taking these medications during pregnancy. While you are experiencing acid reflux, drink plenty of water to help flush the acid out of the esophagus. Light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, may also help relieve the symptoms.