5 Easy Tips To Get Fast Relief From Heartburn in Pregnancy

Spice is the heart and soul of Indian cuisine, but balance is the secret ingredient. While you savour those spicy delights, pair them with cooling elements. Think yoghourt-based dips, minty chutneys, and a dollop of desi ghee to keep the fiery flavours in check. Pair your spicy foods with easy on the palate foods and fresh salads which will give your digestive system a much needed break and also satisfy your pregnancy cravings! 

Transform your bedtime routine into a heartburn-busting ritual. Elevate your upper body with extra pillows to keep gastric juices at bay. Elevating your sleep posture is a simple yet effective remedy for combating heartburn during pregnancy. 

How to do this? Consider placing an extra pillow or two under your upper body, creating a gentle incline. This elevation helps prevent stomach acids from rising and causing discomfort. Experiment with different pillow placements to find the most comfortable angle for you. Stay in this position for 1.5 to 2 hours after a meal. 

Bonus tip: Never lie down after meals. The best advice would be to walk for 15 minutes but if your pregnancy exhaustion is preventing you from walking, use the above tip to keep heartburn away.

Indulge in smaller, well-timed meals throughout the day. Mastering smart eating habits is your key to conquering heartburn during pregnancy. Opt for smaller, well-timed meals throughout the day to keep acidity at bay. Begin with a nutritious breakfast to kickstart your metabolism, followed by light and balanced snacks in between. Aim for an early dinner, allowing your body ample time to digest before bedtime. Steer clear of heavy, rich foods close to sleep, opting for a soothing herbal tea instead. By syncing your meals with your body's natural rhythms, you'll bid farewell to heartburn discomfort. 

Studies suggest that incorporating certain foods into your diet can help manage heartburn during pregnancy. Ginger, for instance, has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active have been associated with a lower risk of experiencing heartburn. So incorporate ginger into your diet. Whether in chai, soups, or as a zesty addition to your meals, ginger has a knack for soothing those tumultuous tummy troubles.

• Fennel Seeds (Saunf): Chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals to ease digestion and reduce acidity.
• Coconut Water: A natural coolant, coconut water helps in reducing acidity and provides relief from heartburn.
• Cold Milk: Sip on a glass of cold milk; its alkaline nature can neutralise stomach acids.
• Buttermilk: Consume a glass of buttermilk after meals. Its cooling properties can help neutralise stomach acids and provide relief from heartburn.
• Cumin Water: Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water. Strain and let it cool. Drink this cumin water after meals to aid digestion and reduce acidity.
• Jaggery: Chew on a small piece of jaggery (gur) after meals. Jaggery is known for its alkaline nature, which can help balance stomach acids and alleviate heartburn.

Remember to incorporate these remedies in moderation and observe how your body responds. If you have specific concerns or conditions, it's always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Now that we have seen what do to reduce or prevent acidity and heartburn, here are a few habits and foods you should stay away from! These are called heartburn triggers and the best practice is to stay away from these! If you do happen to have any of the below trigger foods, remember to pair them with a coolant like coconut water, buttermilk, jeera water, fennel seeds or saunf to help your digestive system get relief!

Dear moms to-be, pregnancy cravings can be a rollercoaster, but heartburn doesn't have to be part of the ride! These five easy tips, along with home remedies from your kitchen, are your trusty companions for a blissful pregnancy. Enjoy your pregnancy cravings without the heartburn! Happy munching!