How to Treat Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

If you don't already have acid reflux, pregnancy can bring it on. Sleeping can be difficult enough in the third trimester of pregnancy without having to suffer with a backwash of acid. According to Fox News, it is the result of increased progestin as well as the pressure from the growth of the baby. Naturally you don't want to take medicine while you are pregnant because of the effects it could have on your baby. Prescription medicines for acid reflux are out of the question. But there are some safe over-the-counter medications you can take, along with some natural remedies that may help.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar-free chewing gum
• Licorice
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Aloe vera juice
• Apple Cider vinegar
• Mylanta, Maalox, Tums or Rolaids
• Bricks or cinder blocks

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Instructions

• 1

  Try to stay away from chocolate, peppermints, caffeine and alcohol. Fried foods, pasta and certain vegetables can also cause problems.

• 2

  Avoid the foods that cause you the most distress. Track which foods cause the worst reflux and avoid them. Try to eat food that is not spicy and is low in fat.

• 3

  Chew sugar-free gum about 30 minutes after you eat. The process of swallowing along with increased saliva may help clear acid from your esophagus.

• 4

  Eat some licorice. Anise is a natural digestion aid as it helps to reduce stomach acid. You can also drink some aloe vera juice or apple cider vinegar. Sodium bicarbonate can be used as long as you don't have high blood pressure or have been told to reduce your sodium intake.

• 5

  Certain antacids are fine to use when you are preganant. Mylanta and Maalox are two examples that do not get absorbed into the bloodstream. Rolaids and Tums are also safe to use during pregnancy and Tums have the added bonus of providing calcium.

• 6

  Raise the head of your bed a few inches by placing the legs on bricks or cinder blocks. The incline will help prevent acid from coming back up in your esophagus when you sleep.