How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast often starts with simple home options that can calm burning and reduce stomach irritation. Common choices include milk or plain yogurt, crackers, and fruits like apples or pears that may help balance stomach acidity.
Cold foods or drinks, banana with honey, and juices like melon or potato juice may help neutralize excess stomach acid. Soothing teas are sometimes used, but some herbs may not be recommended during pregnancy and should be checked with a healthcare professional.
Relieving heartburn depends on identifying what’s causing it. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and pressure from the growing baby can push stomach contents upward, leading to discomfort. Diet and daily habits also contribute, and when home remedies aren’t enough, a clinician may recommend an over-the-counter antacid.
Home remedies
Home remedies that are safe for getting rid of heartburn during pregnancy fast include:
1. Milk and dairy
Drinking milk, preferably skim, or eating dairy products, especially natural yogurt, can help relieve the discomfort caused by heartburn. Milk creates a thin barrier in the lining of the stomach, decreasing irritation and relieving the symptoms of heartburn.
2. Eating an apple or pear
Both apples and pears are fruits that help to regulate the stomach's acidity, which helps relieve associated discomfort and malaise. It is recommended to eat these fruits (with the peel) as soon as symptoms appear.
3. Drinking or eating something cold
Eating ice cream or drinking very cold milk or water can help with the discomfort caused by heartburn and are safe options for use during pregnancy.
4. Eating crackers
Crackers can help relieve heartburn symptoms during pregnancy by absorbing excess stomach acid, which may be causing the discomfort.
5. Eating a banana with honey
Honey contains enzymes that support digestion and help relieve heartburn. Bananas are rich in flavonoids that protect the stomach lining and esophagus, reducing irritation and discomfort. Eating a banana with a tablespoon of honey may therefore help ease heartburn symptoms.
6. Drinking potato juice
Potatoes contain bioactive compounds like glycoalkaloids, a-chaconine and a-solanine. These compounds contain alkaline properties that neutralize stomach acid and improve symptoms of heartburn.
What causes heartburn during pregnancy?
Heartburn is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body. As the fetus grows, it can also press on the stomach, pushing its contents upward into the esophagus, causing the burning discomfort of heartburn.
Heartburn during pregnancy can also be influenced by diet. It’s best to avoid fatty foods and those that contain caffeine. Try not to drink large amounts of liquid during meals, as this can worsen symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor or midwife may recommend an over-the-counter antacid, such as Tums, to relieve heartburn.