Acidity During Pregnancy By: laura jane Pregnancy is one of the best times in a woman's life but can sometimes bring on acid reflux that makes them uncomfortable. Acid reflux during pregnancy is not at all uncommon. Studies have shown that 8 out of 10 women experience mild to severe heartburn due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. The third trimester is usually the worst time due to the weight gain on top of hormonal changes however, acid reflux can occur throughout the pregnancy. Acid reflux and pregnancy actually go hand in hand because when a woman's body makes extra hormones, it can trigger extra acid to be produced in the stomach. Since you might be eating more as a result of being pregnant, you are likely producing more. When this happens, it's a recipe for reflux, but when you add the weight of a baby and the additional pressure it can place on your stomach, it's no wonder you have heartburn. While the quick and easy solution to putting an end to your acid reflux is a visit to the doctor for a prescription, this isn't advisable during pregnancy. You always want to keep medications to a minimum during these delicate months when the baby is most vulnerable. Even over the counter antacids can be abused during pregnancy, so before you start taking them make sure you check with your doctor. Supplementing your diet with additional DHA during pregnancy is important, because our main source of DHA is the foods that we eat. Infants are dependent on the mother to supply them with the nutrients that they need while in the womb, and later on if the infant is sustained solely on breast milk. Most pregnant women fail to get the recommended amount of DHA through their diets. If you must take antibiotics during pregnancy for a urinary tract infection, you may wish to avoid Bactrin and Septra, because they contain trimethoprim, and this compound blocks the production of folic acid. Folic acid is critical to your baby's development because it reduces the risk of certain birth defects. Unfortunately, most pregnant women fail to consume this much DHA during pregnancy. Since most doctors recommend that pregnant women refrain from eating fish because of the contaminants they contain, it's best that all pregnant mothers take a dietary omega-3 fish oil supplement high in DHA. In more severe cases of acid reflux during pregnancy, GERD can occur and that will require some form of medication or alternative herbal treatment which you can find through a search on the Internet or by insisting that your doctor find alternative ways to offer relief. Keep in mind that the foods you eat and the beverages you drink can worsen acid reflux and some of these foods must be avoided if you are to handle this issue. If you suffer from acid reflux during pregnancy, at least now you know its not uncommon and that you are not alone when dealing with this sensation. There are many natural heartburn treatments you could try to help you to ease your symptoms and alleviate your pain. About the Author: Read About Pregnancy Week By Week and Pregnancy Weeks and also read Pregnancy Forums Related Articles Little Playzone More Than Just A Playpen It s A Playzone Of Excitement What you could do with bouncy castles How to Achieve Picture Perfect Shots via Digital Photography What Will be the Safest Baby Vehicle Seat For You The Best High School Graduation Present Beekeeping The Processing Of Honey Find A Good Lodge In Thailand Stop Bed Wetting Dvds And Cds Helpful Tools In Each Bed Wetter s Arsenal Discover the Finest Methods to Keep away from Gaining Unnecessary Pregnancy Weight Holidays In Portugal A World Of Variety After Pregnancy Belly Fat How To Speedily Drop The Pounds After Having A Little One Important Baby Furniture Terms and Definitions Caring For Elderly Parents and Feeling Negative About Life Finding The Best Assisted Living Home For You How To Shop For Dump Truck Toys Baby Shower Crafts Baby Diaper Cakes