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Heartburn and Headaches: Symptoms of Pregnancy

Heartburn is one of those symptoms of pregnancy that can really test a woman’s patience. While many symptoms of pregnancy come and go, heartburn is one of those symptoms of pregnancy that can stick around for the duration. If you are one of the lucky pregnant women and only have small bouts of heartburn now and then, consider yourself fortunate. Heartburn is usually at its worse during the first and last stages of pregnancy.

The last trimester of pregnancy can truly be exhausting. If you are suffering from heartburn during this time you already know that lying down can aggravate your heartburn. Many pregnant women find that if they sleep with their head and body elevated that it helps to keep their stomach acid where it belongs – in the stomach! You may also find that giving your food adequate time to digest before you go to bed can greatly alleviate heartburn. Try to have your last meal at least two hours before you plan to go to bed for the night.

Another way you can help to reduce heartburn during the daytime hours is to eat smaller portions. Instead of eating three large meals each day, try to eat lighter but more often. When you are eating, be sure that you chew your food completely. Both of these steps can go far in cutting down heartburn during pregnancy.

If you have heartburn as one of your symptoms of pregnancy, you probably have already discovered your trigger foods and drinks. Trigger foods and drinks are those that can cause heartburn or make existing heartburn worse. These foods generally include coffee, juice, sodas, fatty foods, fried food, citrus food and even chocolate. If you know what triggers your heartburn, avoid those foods or drinks. You should also try sipping on small amounts of water throughout your day instead of drinking a large quantity all at once. Believe it or not, water can make your heartburn seem worse when you are pregnant.

Headaches are another one of those symptoms of pregnancy that seem to plague women. Headaches during pregnancy are fairly common during the early and late stages of pregnancy. Headaches during the early stages of pregnancy are usually brought on by hormones, stress and changes in the amount of blood your body is producing to accommodate your unborn baby. Headaches during the later stages of pregnancy is usually brought on by stress, soreness, weight and just those everyday pains and aches that accompany pregnancy during the third trimester.

Many pregnant women find that they have headaches if they consume certain foods or drinks. These foods and drinks can include coffee, cheeses, chocolates, sodas and tea. If you find that you acquire a headache after you have consumed one of these foods or drinks, try to avoid them. Headaches can also be a sign that your body is not hydrated. Try to sip on water during the day. If you become thirsty your body is already depleted of water. Try to stay one step ahead of headaches by avoiding foods that bring on your headaches and by keeping your body hydrated.

You should talk with your doctor before you take any medication to treat your heartburn or headaches. Many doctors allow certain over the counter medications to treat these symptoms of pregnancy. However, you should never doctor yourself. Find out what medications are safe before you consume them. There are certain over the counter medications that should be avoided by pregnant women. Your doctor can provide you a list of safe over the counter medications.