Foods That Helped Me Deal with Heartburn and Acidity During Pregnancy
It was 11 PM. I was exhausted. But I couldn't sleep — again.
That burning feeling in my chest and throat was back, even though I hadn’t eaten anything spicy. I sat up in bed, sipping water and wondering if this would be my new normal.
If you’re going through this too, trust me, I’ve been there. Heartburn and acidity during pregnancy are so common, yet they can feel so frustrating — especially at night.
But here’s the good news: you don’t always need medicines. In my case, a few simple food changes brought major relief — and I’m here to share those with you.
Why Does Heartburn Happen During Pregnancy?
My doctor explained it in one sentence: "Your baby is growing, but your stomach space isn’t."
Here’s what causes it:
- The hormone progesterone relaxes muscles, including the valve between stomach and food pipe.
- The growing baby puts pressure on the stomach, pushing acid upward.
- Eating too close to bedtime or lying down right after meals makes it worse.
Understanding the cause helped me make smarter food choices — and it worked.
1. Cold Milk – My Instant Soother
On nights when I felt that burning rise in my chest, I sipped half a glass of cold milk — plain and unsweetened.
It soothed my throat and neutralized the acid. Sometimes, I added a pinch of cardamom powder (elaichi) for flavor.
Tip: Drink it slowly. Don’t gulp.
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2. Coconut Water – Nature’s Antacid
This one became my go-to afternoon drink.
Fresh coconut water helped reduce acidity, kept me hydrated, and gave a soothing effect on the stomach lining.
It also helped with constipation and kept bloating in check. Total win! 🥥
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3. Roasted Fennel Seeds – Nani’s Magic Trick
After every meal, I chewed a small spoon of roasted saunf (fennel seeds). My nani used to keep them in a glass jar.
They didn’t just freshen my breath—they helped reduce bloating and acidity too.
Bonus: The mild sweetness helped curb my post-meal sweet cravings.
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4. Oats – My Safe Breakfast Choice
I switched my morning paratha with a bowl of oats cooked in water or milk with banana and a touch of jaggery.
No masala, no oil — and I felt so much lighter. It kept me full and prevented mid-morning acidity.
Tip: Avoid flavored oats. Stick to plain and customize it at home.
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5. Soft Khichdi – Comfort in a Bowl
On days when my heartburn felt worse, I made a soft moong dal khichdi with a little ghee.
No tadka, no spices — just gentle comfort food. It was easy to digest and kept me full without triggering acidity.
I usually ate this for dinner around 7:30 PM and avoided lying down for 1–2 hours afterward.
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6. Aloe Vera Juice (Doctor-Approved Only)
A friend recommended unsweetened aloe vera juice (just 2 tablespoons in water), but I asked my doctor first.
After getting the green light, I tried it on alternate days. It helped soothe my stomach lining.
Caution: Never consume aloe juice without medical advice. Always use food-grade, unsweetened versions.
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7. Ajwain Water – Grandma’s Remedy
One evening I was in tears from the acidity. My grandma made me ajwain water — just boiled carom seeds in water, cooled and sipped slowly.
Within 20 minutes, I felt relief. I started drinking this 2–3 times a week, especially after heavier meals.
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Related Article
If you also face bloating and constipation, don’t miss my previous post: 👉 Foods That Helped Me Deal with Constipation During Pregnancy
I used simple home ingredients to stay regular without medicines.
Other Small Habits That Helped
- I stopped eating 2 hours before bedtime.
- I ate smaller meals throughout the day.
- I slept with two pillows to keep my head raised.
- I avoided fried and spicy food, especially at night.
These small things made a big difference over time.
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FAQs – Heartburn in Pregnancy
Q. What is the fastest way to relieve heartburn during pregnancy?
Sip cold milk slowly, stay upright, and try chewing roasted fennel seeds.
Q. Which Indian food is best for acidity in pregnancy?
Soft moong dal khichdi, oats, and coconut water work well.
Q. Can I drink ajwain water during pregnancy?
Yes, in moderation. It helps relieve bloating and acid reflux.
Q. Is it safe to take aloe vera juice in pregnancy?
Only after doctor’s approval. Choose unsweetened, food-grade versions.
Q. How to sleep better with heartburn during pregnancy?
Use a pillow to elevate your head and avoid eating 2 hours before bed.
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Conclusion
Heartburn was one of the most irritating things during my pregnancy, but these natural remedies helped me manage it without needing medicine every time.
You don’t need to suffer in silence. With a few diet tweaks and habits, your nights can become peaceful again.
Try what suits your body — and always consult your doctor before trying something new.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience and is meant for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified doctor before trying any new remedy during pregnancy.