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Throughout the pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. Physically, hormonally, mentally, and emotionally – in every aspect, you feel them. Indigestion during pregnancy is one such issue that impacts almost every woman who is undergoing pregnancy.
Of course, it is normal but if it is creating major problems for you then it might be dangerous for you. That’s why you need to understand about this issue in detail so that you can tap its symptoms and look for the treatment.
And to answer your queries we have also got an expert on board to help you. Dr Seema Sharma, senior consultant gynaecologist and high-risk pregnancy expert at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh and she says that “During pregnancy, indigestion is a very common and one of the few troubles including cramps, headaches, stretch marks, and swollen ankles.”
Here are the symptoms of ingestion during pregnancy
According to Dr Sharma as many as 8 in 10 women may have indigestion during their pregnancy. Therefore, she underlines these five common symptoms:
1. Morning or evening sickness
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Constipation
5. Lack of appetite to excessive salivation make life of first-trimester expecting mommies miserable
Causes of indigestion during pregnancy
Dr Sharma suggested that the reason behind these symptoms is simply slowing of the digestive system leading to delayed gastric emptying and aversion to too many smells and tastes dissuade pregnant mothers from eating much. Also, the following things can also cause indigestion:
8 tricks that will help you prevent indigestion as told by Dr Sharma
1. Take small and frequent meals
Dr Sharma says that, “One must have small frequent meals instead of heavy two or three meals in a day or keep a wider gap between the first meal and subsequent meals. It is recommended eating smaller meals, more often. Although you should ensure you’re well-nourished during pregnancy, overeating is likely to cause more issues with indigestion as your abdominal area is already pretty full. It can help your digestive system function so you don’t overwhelm your body with large meals that can cause indigestion. Late night dinners are a strict NO. Chinese food has to be avoided as it contains ajinomoto as it can cause birth defects in babies.”
2. Say no to spicy and fried food
“Expecting mothers have to choose their foods wisely. It is important to cut down on caffeine, fizzy drinks and rich, spicy and fatty foods. These are more likely to cause irritation and bloating and lead to discomfort. In worse cases, it may also lead to gastritis. Mother should avoid canned or frozen foods in favour of fresh home-cooked food and fruits or vegetables”, says Dr Sharma.
3. Always sit upright
When you have taken a meal then avoid lying down straightway because it slows down the process of digestion. Dr Sharma suggests that, “When you eat, try to maintain a good posture. This will help to take pressure off the stomach and allow your digestion system to function more efficiently.”
4. Smoking and drinking is a big no
Even passive smoking can be harmful for you and your baby. Dr Sharma says that, “You should try to knock these habits on the head before pregnancy as it can harm your baby. However, it also increases chances of indigestion which could otherwise be avoided.”
Also, listen:
5. Don’t wear tight clothes
“Being comfortable when pregnant is essential when trying to avoid distress to both yourself and your baby. Tight clothing can put even more pressure around the abdomen worsening indigestion and discomfort. This can have injurious effects to maternal and foetal health”, says Dr Sharma.
6. Keep yourself hydrated
Take plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated.
7. Stop over-thinking and don’t take stress
Dr Sharma says that, “Take time out before going to sleep to calm yourself and the baby. Try meditating or having some quiet time so your body isn’t tense during sleep.”
8. Correct your sleeping position
Dr Sharma says that, “Try to tilt your mattress so your head and shoulders are slightly higher, approximately 10cm. This helps to prevent stomach acid coming up while you sleep. Take eight hours of sleep, plenty of rest and stay calm and happy to enjoy the journey to parenting.”
She added that, “It is important to know if anything or the slowing of the digestive system allows more time for nutrients to be passed through to your baby – so try not to panic.”
“If you have relentless pains it can be worth seeing a doctor, even if just to put your mind at ease. If your indigestion is not helped by diet and lifestyle changes, or your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may suggest medicines for indigestion that is safe to use during pregnancy. Medicines can neutralise the acid in your stomach, reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach and stop the acid rising into your oesophagus. However, it is advisable to all expecting couples to avoid self-medication” she concluded.
One thing you should keep in mind is that While, Indigestion can be uncomfortable it certainly isn’t harmful for your baby.
So, now you know everything about indigestion during pregnancy and how you can prevent it. Use these measures and stay away from this uncomfortable situation.
(With inputs from IANS)
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