What is that burning feeling in your throat in pregnancy
Reflux in pregnancy
Unfortunately a common complaint during pregnancy is reflux. That burning sensation in the back of your throat and chest.
Reflux in pregnancy causes:
During normal digestion, food travels down the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and into the stomach. The LES is part of the doorway between your esophagus and your stomach. It opens to allow food through and closes to stop stomach acids from coming back up.
When you have heartburn, or acid reflux, the LES relaxes enough to allow stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This can cause pain and burning in the chest area. During pregnancy, hormone changes can allow the muscles in the esophagus, including the LES, to relax more frequently. The result is that more acids may seep back up, particularly when you're lying down or after you've eaten a large meal.
Pregnancy increases your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, muscles in your esophagus push food more slowly into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty. This gives your body more time to absorb nutrients for the fetus, but it can also result in heartburn. During the third trimester, the growth of your baby can push your stomach out of its normal position, which can lead to heartburn. However, each woman is different. Being pregnant doesn't necessarily mean you'll have heartburn. 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.
Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn. Typical culprits 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 may also encourage digestion.
Wear comfortable rather than tight-fitting clothing.
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 quell 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 or midwife about medications that may be suitable for you
Osteopathic treatment for Reflux in pregnancy
Sarah commonly treats pregnant women for reflux during their pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment for pregnancy reflux offers a holistic approach to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being during this transformative time. By focusing on the body's natural ability to heal and self-regulate, osteopathic physicians employ gentle hands-on techniques to address structural imbalances and optimize organ function, particularly in the digestive system. Through manual manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, ribs, and abdomen, osteopaths can relieve tension, improve circulation, and enhance the mobility of tissues surrounding the digestive tract. Additionally, they may offer dietary and lifestyle recommendations to complement the treatment, fostering a comprehensive approach to managing pregnancy reflux. Osteopathic care not only aims to alleviate immediate discomfort but also supports the body's adaptive processes, helping expectant mothers navigate this special journey with greater comfort and ease.