Early in pregnancy your body produces large amounts of progesterone and estrogen, which tend to relax smooth muscle tissue everywhere, including the stomach.  As a result, food sometimes moves more slowly through your system, resulting in bloating and indigestion.  Heartburn results when the ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach relaxes, allowing food and harsh digestive juices to back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The symptom is most likely to occur when lying down or bending over, particularly during the last months of pregnancy when the baby puts pressure on the digestive organs.

 Try the following suggestions to help prevent heartburn:

• Eat small, frequent meals (eat every few hours)
• Avoid gas-forming foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, beans, and carbonated drinks
• Go easy on greasy, fried, and spicy foods
• Try sipping on water, milk, or eating a tablespoon of yogurt
• Eat slowly and chew foods well
• Drink liquids, including soups, one hour before or after meals rather than with meals
• Do not lie down for two hours after eating
• Go for a walk after eating
• Cut down on beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, chocolate and colas
• Avoid  cigarettes
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least six 8-oz glasses) daily
• Try wearing comfortable clothing that is loose around the waist
• Try sleeping and resting with the head slightly elevated