What is an effective way to manage heartburn during pregnancy?

Eating smaller, more frequent meals is an effective strategy for managing heartburn during pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to the reflux of stomach acids, causing heartburn. By having smaller meals throughout the day, the stomach doesn't become overly full, which helps reduce this pressure and lessens the likelihood of acid reflux. This approach also allows for better digestion and can help manage blood sugar levels, providing additional benefits during pregnancy.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not effectively address the root causes of heartburn in pregnant individuals. For instance, increasing or decreasing fiber intake, overloading on water, or entirely avoiding carbohydrates might not have a significant impact on heartburn relief and could potentially lead to other dietary imbalances or discomfort. Therefore, focusing on meal size and frequency offers a practical and manageable method for alleviating heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.