The uncomfortable and sometimes painful conditions heartburn and indigestion can occur during pregnancy. One of the main causes of this condition during pregnancy are hormonal changes that relax the valve between the esophagus and stomach, allowing digestive acids to flow out of the stomach into the esophagus, throat and mouth.

This can be very uncomfortable as the acids burn the sensitive lining of the esophagus. The condition may be worse during the later stages of pregnancy as the uterus is taking up more space, compressing the stomach, and in general the digestion of food is slower.

Here are some tips to ease indigestion and heartburn:

1. Stay upright as you digest. For many women, heartburn or indigestion is made worse at night when they lie down in a horizontal position. Try to eat your evening meal several hours before you go to bed, giving your body time to digest your food. Propping your bed up with a few pillows or books under the mattress may help you to stay more upright yet comfortable enough to sleep.
   
   
2. Eat frequently. Have five or six small meals throughout the day instead of the normal three meals a day.
   
   
3. Eat slowly. Take your time to chew properly and give your body time to digest.
   
   
4. Avoid spicy and fatty foods. You may find that simple foods are more agreeable to you. Some foods, such as cabbage, chocolate, garlic, onions or caffeine may make the problem worse.
   
   
5. Try to drink fluids between meals rather than with meals. You may find that sipping water helps.
   
   
6. Check with your nurse or doctor regarding any antacids or medications that may be helpful for you.

Some women experience no morning sickness at all, while others feel sick morning, noon and night! For many women, the nausea and vomiting eases off by the end of the first trimester, yet for an unlucky few, morning sickness will continue throughout the whole pregnancy.

Strong smells can cause nausea, as can different foods. Experiment with your diet to find foods that you are comfortable with and try to eliminate those foods that make you feel ill. A food diary may help you in tracking foods and their relationship to your nausea.

Many women find that crackers, bread, lemonade or ginger tea help to ease the nausea. If you feel particularly ill in the morning, try having a small snack before you get out of bed.

Eat small, frequent meals and drink plenty of fluids. Try not to go for long periods without food as this may make the nausea worse.

Talk to your doctor if your morning sickness is severe and you are vomiting several times a day.