Which practice is recommended to prevent heartburn during pregnancy?

Which practice is recommended to prevent heartburn during pregnancy?

• A. Drink large amounts of fluid while eating
• B. Upright position after meals
• C. Lie flat after meals
• D. Eat large meals

Answer: (B)

Heartburn in pregnancy is often caused by reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter from pregnancy hormones and increased abdominal pressure from the growing uterus. Staying upright after meals uses gravity to keep the stomach contents down, reducing the chance of reflux. This simple positional change is effective and safe, making it the best practice. Lying flat after meals, eating large meals, or drinking large amounts during meals can worsen reflux, so those habits are less helpful.

Heartburn in pregnancy is often caused by reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter from pregnancy hormones and increased abdominal pressure from the growing uterus. Staying upright after meals uses gravity to keep the stomach contents down, reducing the chance of reflux. This simple positional change is effective and safe, making it the best practice. Lying flat after meals, eating large meals, or drinking large amounts during meals can worsen reflux, so those habits are less helpful.