Severe acid reflux

[Gobletoffire]

Does anyone have any natural remedies for acid reflux?

I’m only 12 weeks pregnant, and I was already on a high dose of ranitidine prior to pregnancy as I have suffered with acid reflux previously and had various investigations over the last couple of years. It’s got worse since becoming pregnant and my medication just isn’t working - without it it gets even worse though.

I saw the consultant yesterday after my scan and he said I’m already on the highest dose possible of ranitidine possible so it cannot be increased. Ive already tried different alternatives to ranitidine such as omoperazole. I’ve been trying gaviscon etc, it does ease it a bit for a very short time but then it comes back just as bad. Whatever I eat, I get it and if I don’t eat, I get it. I pretty much have the burning/grumbling sensation all the time, it’s making me feel very sick and miserable and I have no idea what to eat anymore.

Has anyone else suffered badly and discovered any natural remedies or foods I can try that might ease it? Milk does seem to help but again, just for a short while :( I am so worried this is going to continue through the whole pregnancy and get even worse during the third trimester.

I don’t know whether this will help, but my mum told me to sit up straight when I’m eating, to eat slowly, and to try not to get too horizontal at any point.

I still get a bit of reflux, but it’s not as bad as it was before.

Small meals often. I mean really small, like a yogurt here, a bowl of cereal there, half a sandwich, a few crackers with cheese etc. And stay as upright as you can, even at night. I've been "sleeping" on four pillows since 20 weeks and cannot WAIT to lie flat again. Don't bend at the waist, always with the knees. Never let your tummy or chest be lower than your hips. Peppermint tea can be good, or just sucking mints. Hang in there! X

That sounds torturous.

I'm guessing you avoid all the obvious foods that aggravate it such as coffee etc?

Reflux is just so unpleasant I'm sorry to hear you're suffering.
I've heard apple cider vinegar with the mother (latter part is important) sweetened with honey is good for reflux.

Eat lots of cucumber- it's an alkaline food and will help settle your stomach.

Google “gerd diet”.. stick to it! No onions, garlic, tomatoes, oranges etc! Take gaviscon after your meals and inbetween if needed. Keep taking the rinitidine, although omeprazole is usually better. Sleep propped up - put bricks under the bed - don’t just rely on pillows. Don’t drink too much fluid with meals and stay away from anything carbonated. Hope that helps!

I feel your pain. I had horrredous acid reflux during both pregnancies and was later diagnosed with hiatus hernia. The only thing I found that would work was to keep a small bottle of gavisgon in my handbag (topped up from a big pharmacy bottle) and to take a swig after any meal or snack

I had hideous heartburn at night, it was awful! Sleeping almost sitting up helped as much as it could but it was a miserable time until baby was born! Thankfully it went almost straight after.

Sleep as upright as possible

Cut out tea and coffee

Eat very very small meals little and often

Drink milk

Rennies rennies

Thank you everyone. Bought extra pillows to see if that helps during night time. It’s a very miserable time at the moment, symptom wise I haven’t been too bad other than this. And it’s so early yet :( thanks for your advice x