Bitterness in the mouth is a very common symptom during pregnancy. Most expectant mothers experience these unpleasant sensations, which are often combined with belching, a burning sensation in the throat and chest, and a sour taste. Usually bitterness appears at the twentieth week of pregnancy and lasts quite a long time – until the very birth.
Of course, if you feel bitterness in your mouth, you should consult a gastroenterologist. But don’t get scared too early. Most often, bitterness is a consequence of natural, physiologically determined processes.
Causes of bitterness in the mouth during pregnancy
The main cause of bitterness in the mouth during pregnancy is a change in the hormonal background of a woman. To relax the muscles of the uterus, the body needs an increase in the amount of the hormone progesterone, which is also responsible for relaxing the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach. A relaxed valve is unable to fully prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. It is because of this that bitterness appears in the mouth. Another reason is slow digestion and intestinal motility, which also occurs under the action of progesterone.
In late pregnancy, bitterness in the mouth may occur due to stomach acid entering the esophagus due to the natural growth of the fetus: it overflows the abdominal cavity. Thus, bitterness in the mouth can annoy a pregnant woman until the very birth.
Treatment
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of bitterness in the mouth during pregnancy. She will continually remind of herself, giving the woman discomfort. But there are many ways that help quickly eliminate the symptoms of bitterness and improve your well-being.
First of all, you need to watch your diet. Eliminate from the diet food and drinks that help reduce the tone of the esophageal sphincter. To do this, you must give up coffee, strong tea, chocolate, spicy and fatty foods, rich soups, fried and spicy foods. It is better to eat more often, but in smaller portions. Chew your food well and don’t drink too much liquid.
Also, avoid foods that increase the acidity of the stomach, and immediately after eating, try to take a walk. You can lie down only after a couple of hours, placing a pillow under your back. If the upper body is elevated, the chance of stomach acid entering the esophagus will decrease. Also, try not to wear tight clothing that compresses your stomach. Teach yourself to drink herbal decoctions and infusions instead of tea and coffee.
Do not experiment with medicinal plants on your own. Among them, there may be those that are contraindicated for pregnant women. Consult your doctor and he will select the most optimal treatment for you.
Try to avoid stress and anxiety – they can also provoke bitterness in the mouth.