Burning sensation in lower abdomen during early pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, many expectant mothers will experience various early pregnancy reactions: poor appetite, lower abdominal distension and pain, breast tenderness, etc. These reactions do not last long and will generally be relieved about 3 months after pregnancy. However, some expectant mothers experience a burning sensation in their lower abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy. Some of these are due to stomach discomfort and excessive stomach acid caused by improper diet, while others are normal reactions in the early stages of pregnancy. What should you do if you have a burning sensation in your lower abdomen during early pregnancy?

Causes of burning sensation in lower abdomen during pregnancy

Heartburn is indirectly caused by hormonal changes. Some expectant mothers experience heartburn throughout their pregnancy, which becomes more severe in the third trimester. However, this symptom usually disappears naturally after delivery.

Expectant mothers with heartburn usually experience a warm or burning sensation in the upper stomach or below the breastbone, and these symptoms become more severe as the pregnant mother bends over, sits, or lies down. So how can expectant mothers prevent and alleviate it?

Prevention and Mitigation Methods

1. Eat small, frequent meals

It is best for expectant mothers to follow the principle of eating small and frequent meals during pregnancy. Because this will prevent your stomach from expanding excessively and reduce acid reflux. This prevents heartburn.

2. Do not eat large amounts of liquid food and do not lie down immediately after a meal.

If pregnant mothers eat a lot of liquid food, it will cause acid reflux, so the editor recommends that pregnant mothers eat less. In addition, expectant mothers should avoid lying in bed within half an hour to an hour after a meal. It is recommended to stand or walk for at least half an hour, which can speed up the passage of food through the stomach and reduce the burden on the stomach.

3. Avoid eating high-fat, fried, and overly sour and spicy foods

Overly acidic foods or vinegar can make heartburn worse. Spicy foods are irritating in themselves. Foods high in fat and oil are difficult to digest and therefore stay in the stomach for a longer time, which can easily cause heartburn. Therefore, expectant mothers should try to avoid these foods.

4. Drink some milk before meals

Drinking milk can not only help expectant mothers supplement nutrition and calcium, but also form a protective film in the stomach to protect the stomach, reduce the irritation of food to the stomach, and thus relieve heartburn. Therefore, the editor recommends that expectant mothers drink some milk before meals.

5 foods that can effectively relieve heartburn

1. Drink baking soda water

Baking soda is alkaline and can neutralize stomach acid, solving most heartburn problems. However, if you often suffer from heartburn, it is best not to drink baking soda, otherwise it will cause side effects such as bloating and nausea.

2. Eat a banana

Bananas are a natural antacid that helps create a protective mucus layer on the lining of your stomach. However, about 1% of people with heartburn will have their condition worsened after eating bananas, so you should carefully observe your condition after eating them.

3. Add some ginger to the dish

This helps prevent and treat heartburn, but it should be consumed in moderation, about 2 grams per day.

4. Drink aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve inflammation of the esophagus and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends that people who are prone to heartburn drink half a cup of aloe vera juice before meals.

5. Chewing gum

Chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal can increase the secretion of saliva, so that the refluxed stomach acid can be quickly washed away by saliva, relieving heartburn symptoms.

Expectant mothers should pay attention to controlling their food intake and eating speed, and eat less foods such as chili peppers and alcohol.