August 2015 Moms

Hard time eating

I am just about 33 weeks pregnant and have only managed to put on 11 lbs. I am having an awful time eating anything due to heartburn/indigestion/gastritis. My doctor brought it up today but I am at a loss at what I can do. She suggested ensure but I can't handle any dairy anymore. I'm also only measuring 30 weeks which I was assured is within the normal range but it makes me worry. Anyone have any suggestions?

Re: Hard time eating

  • I'm so sorry you are going through this! I have really bad heartburn/indigestion but not as bad as you where I am struggling to keep on weight. I'm sure you've gone through all of the remedies (papaya enzymes, prescription antacids, home remedies, etc) but just wanted to see if you have tried the Apple Cider Vinegar "trick"? My midwives told me that if your stomach doesn't have enough acid, it can overproduce which leads to heartburn. They suggested drinking a few ounces of ACV diluted in water or else add citrus to my water to keep acid levels at bay. I know it sounds counter intuitive but I can really see a difference if I haven't been putting citrus in my water for a day or so. Eating grapefruit really helped me too! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I actually began craving grapefruit at one point. Maybe my body knew it needed more acid?! 

    When my heartburn gets really bad, I need to switch to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) just to go easy on my stomach. People usually eat this way when they have the flu or something but it has helped me to keep something down when my heartburn is like freaking lava. Just gentle foods that I can nibble on until it subsides. 

    Hopefully something will work for you! Good luck!
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  • SaratiffSaratiff member
    edited June 2015
    Ensure is actually dairy and gluten free So if it's the actual dairy then your good there. I'm living off peanut butter and jelly and cheese sticks myself.
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  • Thank you!! Did not know about ensure being dairy free or using ACV, will definitely give both a try. I reaaaaally appreciate the feedback! Good luck to you both.
  • Why did your Doc not prescribe you something for heartburn/indigestion? 

    I had heartburn from hell starting at about 20 weeks and my OB prescribed 20mg of Protonix. I take 2-3 a week and ONLY get heartburn if I forget to take it for a few days.
  • They did. I take Zantac 150 twice a day plus tums all day long and a prescription for the gastritis when it is unbearable. I still have problems if I stray from my exotic diet of coconut water, crackers, white rice and plain fish.
  • I am right there with you sister. I have only managed to put on 13lbs so far and I'm 31 weeks. Last night I woke up and threw up straight stomach acid, it was terrible. One thing that calms my heartburn is watermelon. I eat it like crazy. After reading this thread I am going to try the BRAT diet and the apple cider vinegar! 

    I feel your pain- hang in there. 
  • Just went and tried the apple cider vinegar and guess what- IT WORKS! It is super nasty tasting. I took a tablespoon of straight vinegar and chased it with a glass of water and within 2 minutes, I feel way better. I found a really helpful article that explains why it helps and why antacid's only make things worse... https://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/221-why-you-should-use-apple-cider-vinegar-instead-of-antacids-and-baking-soda-for-indigestion.html

    Seems nasty but go do it- it works. 
  • I promise this works go and get you some Pepcid. I had heart burn and reflux so bad it would make me throw up. Now I can eat a lot more and not have any problems at all.
  • ErikaB123 said:
    Just went and tried the apple cider vinegar and guess what- IT WORKS! It is super nasty tasting. I took a tablespoon of straight vinegar and chased it with a glass of water and within 2 minutes, I feel way better. I found a really helpful article that explains why it helps and why antacid's only make things worse... https://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/221-why-you-should-use-apple-cider-vinegar-instead-of-antacids-and-baking-soda-for-indigestion.html

    Seems nasty but go do it- it works. 
    So happy that it helped you out!! Sorry for not warning you about the nasty taste. :/ There a few recipes out there to make it taste better but I'm all for channeling my college days and doing it like a shot ;) Get over with, pronto! 
  • kate1524 said:
    They did. I take Zantac 150 twice a day plus tums all day long and a prescription for the gastritis when it is unbearable. I still have problems if I stray from my exotic diet of coconut water, crackers, white rice and plain fish.
    I tried Zantac too. It did absolutely nothing for me at max dose. I too, was taking my weight in Tums as well to keep the reflux under control. No help at all. I eventually got tired of being miserable and decided to do something about it. Hence, the Protonix.

    Zantac and Protonix are not the same. They work by two completely different mechanisms. Zantac is an H2 blocker. Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor.
  • ErikaB123 said:

    Just went and tried the apple cider vinegar and guess what- IT WORKS! It is super nasty tasting. I took a tablespoon of straight vinegar and chased it with a glass of water and within 2 minutes, I feel way better. I found a really helpful article that explains why it helps and why antacid's only make things worse... https://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/221-why-you-should-use-apple-cider-vinegar-instead-of-antacids-and-baking-soda-for-indigestion.html


    Seems nasty but go do it- it works. 
    Trying this tonight! Just got back from the store with papaya enzyme and kombuchca, I'm going to give those a shot as well. Thanks for the article too! Baby girl is weighing in at 4lb 3oz at today's dr apt so she's right on target at least. Good luck to you!
  • Kate- I went to my local health food store called Whole Foods. They carry an apple cider vinegar called "Bragg". It is unfiltered, organic and says "with the mother" on it. My sister is a total health freak and she insisted I get the one that says "with the mother" this kind contains the most health benefits. Also it is important that you get ACV that is in a glass bottle because plastic bottles can leave harmful chemicals behind in the vinegar.

    Good luck and let me know how it works for you!!!
  • I'm glad you posted this because I am 32 weeks and am having the same problem. I know im not the only one concerned about my weight gain. I have only put on 4 pounds (i lost quite a bit first). I have a lack of appetite whether I experience my terrible heartburn or not due to still having severe nausea and morning sickness. :(
  • Saratiff said:

    Ensure is actually dairy and gluten free So if it's the actual dairy then your good there. I'm living off peanut butter and jelly and cheese sticks myself.

    I have been eating pretty clean throughout my whole pregnancy, but the other day I bought some peanut butter and jelly uncrustables...Got the 10 pack on Wednesday and ate the last one today Saturday!!! I LOVE PB&J RIGHT NOW!!!! lol
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