Pregnancy, bump & baby - The burning question
Unfortunately a common complaint during pregnancy is reflux. That burning sensation in the back of your throat and chest.
Cause:
When we eat, food passing down the esophagus into the stomach, but to stop the food going back up our throat, there is a sphincter/valve. In pregnancy the Relaxin hormone can make this valve weak thus allowing food and stomach acid back up the esophagus and creating the burning
feeling.
In the first trimester you are at higher risk of developing reflux due to food moving down the esophagus slowly and a slower emptying time of the
stomach. This is to allow for greater absorption of food/nutrients to the growing foetus, but then this can make you more susceptible to reflux.
During the third trimester the stomach can become physically compressed due to the growing baby and the limited amount of room in the abdominal cavity. This mechanical compression can increase your risk of having reflux.
Generally speaking, most women who suffer from reflux during pregnancy, say it quickly disappeared after giving birth. This is due to relxin hormone levels dropping back to normal and the physical compression of the stomach being removed. Being pregnant doesn't necessarily mean you will have heartburn but it is very common. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.
How can you minimise the reflux?
- Eat slowly and chew every bite thoroughly.
- Avoid eating a few hours before bed. Ideally eating dinner by 7pm and not eating again until breakfast.
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn. Typical triggers include; chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato-based items, carbonated beverages, and caffeine.
- Stay upright for at least one hour after a meal. A leisurely walk after dinner may also encourage digestion.
- Wear comfortable rather than tight-fitting clothing. In particular your bra must be soft, no wire and the correct size.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Use pillows or wedges to elevate your upper body while sleeping. Sleep on your left side. Lying on your right side will position your stomach higher than your esophagus, which may lead to heartburn.
- Chew a piece of sugarless gum after meals. The increased saliva may neutralize any acid coming back up into the esophagus.
- Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk to help symptoms once they start.
- Drink some honey in chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid drinking while eating. - Drink water in between meals instead.
- Medication; Speak to your GP, Obstetrician or midwife about medications that may be suitable for you
Osteopathy and reflux
Osteopaths commonly treat pregnant women for reflux as it can be quite painful and frustrating. Osteopathic treatment includes working through all the factors that might be influencing the mother’s reflux. This can include; diet, compressive clothing, time of meals, size of the meal, sleeping and sitting posture, exercise and so on. Physical treatment is aimed at lossening the rib cage, thoracic spine and neck joints, muscles and
ligaments to remove any compression and restriction. The diaphragm is also a key component to reflux as the stomach sits below the diaphragm.
Treatment will address any tightness and restriction in the diaphragm, thus removing physical compression off the stomach and sphincter.
Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath
Pregnancy & Postpartum Osteopath
@sarahboughtwoodosteopath
50 East Coast road, Milford, Auckland
www.sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz