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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Oh, those delicious holiday treats! Even if you watch your diet the rest of the year, now is the season for a spot of indulgence. If you’re pregnant during the holidays this may seem like a rare chance to nibble some fudge and sample some eggnog without guilt. So why does it seem that heartburn hits you the minute you’ve bitten the head off the gingerbread man? Can’t an expectant mom get a break?
According to Dr.Yvonne Thornton, clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Medical College and an authority on weight control during pregnancy, acid reflux is a common symptom of pregnancy. You can sample the feast without a searing stomach by following these tips:
· Nix the ‘nog – Eggnog contains milk and while milk may seem soothing it generates more acid causing acid reflux.
· Shun the devil – Yes, that devil’s food cake is seductive – and who doesn’t love chocolate? — but chocolate desserts can cause heartburn.
· Reach for water – Coffee, carbonated beverages and citrus can be an invitation to misery. Water will help dilute the acid and keep you and the baby hydrated.
· Warm it up – Avoid foods that are too hot or too cold.
· Chill on the chili — Highly seasoned and spicy foods can cause acid reflux. Skip the cold cuts.
· No stuffing – Don’t overindulge on Christmas ham or turkey.
Dr. Thornton says that staying comfortable throughout your pregnancy – especially in the final months – is possible by:
· foregoing large meal just before going to sleep,
· eating slowly and taking small portions,
· elevating the head of your bed so that gravity will help lessen the possibility of acid reflux, and
· sleeping on your side.
Finally, the absolute best way to avoid holiday heartburn is to relax. Instead of getting pushed and shoved in malls by all the hustle and bustle, unwind in front of your computer and let your fingers do the shopping. Doctor’s orders!
Dr. Yvonne Thornton is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and board-certified specialist in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk obstetrics) at New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y. She has delivered 5,542 babies and has supervised more than 12,000 deliveries. She is the nationally bestselling author of the memoir, The Ditchdigger’s Daughters, which has been translated into 19 languages and adapted into an award-winning world premiere movie for cable television, as well as its long-awaited sequel Something to Prove: A Daughter’s Journey to Fulfill a Father’s Legacy (Kaplan Publishing, Dec. 14, 2010). Her other books include Woman to Woman, Primary Care for the Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Inside Information for Women.
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