Desert Storks

HEART BURN

Hormones released during pregnancy soften the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach allowing digestive acids and sometimes regurgitated food back up into the oesophagus.
You may feel this as a burning sensation behind the breastbone particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy as the baby grows and space becomes limited. Although this does not affect the baby, it may cause discomfort for you. 

• Eat smaller meals frequently. 
• Avoid spicy, fatty and greasy foods. AVOID TAKE AWAY FOODS!
• Take lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus (capsule form or by eating live yogurt). 
• Avoid fizzy drinks, coffee and foods with additives and colourants. 
• Drink herbal teas of peppermint or chammomile. 
• Remain upright for an hour after eating. 
• Relaxation breathing can help open the digestive tract. 
• Drink water up to half an hour before eating or an hour afterwards to avoid diluting digestive enzymes. 
• Reflexology can help access the oesophagus cardia sphincter. 
• Reflexology can also access the pylorus sphincter (at the entrance to the small intestine) to safeguard against leakage of partially digested food into the intestines. 
• Pay attention to which foods disagree with you and make an avoid list. 
• Wear clothing that does not restrict your stomach.