Although heartburn during the pregnancy is rather harmless it can nevertheless cause a serious amount of discomfort.

Heartburn, which is also known as acid indigestion or acid reflux, is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. Heartburn is caused as a result of the back flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. Unfortunately this hormone also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing gastric acids to seep back up.

Thankfully there are some remedies and tricks to deal efficiently with heartburn. First of all try to avoid large meals. It is better to have several smaller ones during the cause of the day as this will help to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Be also aware of what you eat and try to avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes. Try to limit your caffeine intake to a minimum, which is anyhow advisable during pregnancy. And yes, although it will come as a great sacrifice to most of us, make an attempt to limit your chocolate consumption. Staying in a relatively upright position after eating will allow your food to stay down in your stomach. So, it is better to avoid eating close to bedtime or, if the craving gets to you, try to prop yourself up in bed as much as possible.

Of course it is especially important during pregnancy to stay hydrated but try to cover your fluid intake in between meals and try to avoid carbonated drinks.

If all of this cannot prevent the heartburn then it has been proven that the intake of thoroughly chewed almonds can help to neutralize excessive acid.