Natural Cures for Heartburn During Pregnancy

It's impossible to have an indigestion-free pregnancy. The hormones your body produces when you become pregnant relax all smooth-muscle tissues, including your stomach. This relaxation makes it easier for stomach acid to enter your esophagus. Your expanding uterus also pushes your stomach out of its normal position, making heartburn worse. There are, however, some effective natural remedies for heartburn.

Foods

• Just like when you're not pregnancy, certain foods can trigger heartburn while others soothe it. Getting good bacteria into your stomach and intestines helps your digestive system work more effectively. During pregnancy you should avoid excess supplements and opt for getting your nutrition through food. Eating yogurt daily during pregnancy helps calm indigestion.

  Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet also helps with heartburn. Raw--organic if possible--fruits and vegetables and whole grains are great sources of fiber. Almonds, honey and cold milk are known to soothe heartburn. Try combining them by having a bowl of whole grain, high-fiber cereal with almonds, honey and cold milk.

  Drink plenty of filtered water every day, at least 1 gallon. Water helps restore a balanced pH level in your stomach. During pregnancy water helps soften your skin, reduces constipation and rids your body of toxins that can cause swelling. According to doctors at The Mayo Clinic, you should avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits or juices and spicy foods, all of which can increase heartburn symptoms.

Herbs

• Many herbal supplements claim to alleviate heartburn, but at the same time, no one knows how safe they are during pregnancy. According to Homeopathic Educational Services, it's recommended that pregnant women receive professional homeopathic care from an experienced practitioner rather than treat themselves. Ginger root and mint are two of the safest and effective herbs for soothing heartburn symptoms. Combine them in a tea or add some to your meal.

Easy Changes

• With a few simple changes, you can avoid heartburn and indigestion most of the time. Avoid wearing tight clothes. Start eating smaller portions, and eat four to six times a day. Do not eat two to three hours before bedtime. Sleep with extra pillows so your head is elevated; this keeps stomach acid in its place. Don't lie down after meals. Get regular exercise. Taking a walk after meals, for example, can help prevent heartburn. Avoid bending over after meals. These physical changes combined with changes in your diet, can help keep heartburn at bay during your pregnancy.