In a strange coincidence of biology, pregnant women think about
visiting the bathroom roughly as often as the average man thinks
about sex. A fish belongs in water. The Eiffel Tower belongs in
Paris. And stomach acid belongs in your stomach. Unfortunately,
pregnancy hormones affect the sphincter that forms a barrier
between the esophagus and stomach, allowing acids to percolate
upward. The plot thickens as your growing uterus crowds your
digestive organs. To help douse the fire: - Eat smaller, more
frequent meals. - Chew your food thoroughly. Eat every bite as
slowly as possible. - Avoid spicy or greasy foods. - Remain
upright for at least an hour after eating. - Keep your upper
body as upright as possible when you sleep by propping yourself
up with pillows or elevating the head of your bed. - When
heartburn strikes, have some milk or yogurt. - Ask your doctor
about taking calcium-based antacids. 4. Constipation and
hemorrhoids These two nuisances often work in tandem. Pregnancy
hormones, abetted by certain v