Many women who are pregnant experience stomach discomfort that is often referred to as heartburn or sometimes just simple indigestion. However, reflux during pregnancy1 is the correct name for this condition, which is generally harmless, but can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, most cases can be treated safely with medications (which should only be prescribed under medical supervision), along with simple changes to diet and lifestyle. Many women experience reflux for the first time during pregnancy.

Causes of Reflux During Pregnancy

As is commonly known, when a woman is pregnant, several changes occur in her body. Reflux during pregnancy is more common because progesterone2, the main hormone in pregnant women, slows down the functioning of the digestive system.Meanwhile, the growing uterus means that the pressure from the baby pushes against the stomach, which increases the possibility that gastric juice in the stomach will move in the opposite direction, that is, up toward the throat.Additionally, some women find that the high iron content of prenatal vitamins can further irritate the stomach, causing symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and burning sensation.However, every woman is different. Being pregnant does not necessarily mean you will have reflux. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and the course of the pregnancy itself.

Symptoms of Reflux During Pregnancy

Some of the most common symptoms of reflux during pregnancy are:

  • Burning sensation in the throat or upper chest area;
  • Heartburn;
  • Nausea;
  • Belching and regurgitation may also be signs of acid reflux.

Are There Tests for Reflux During Pregnancy?

Most of the time, reflux during pregnancy is diagnosed based solely on symptoms. But if a woman continues to feel this discomfort after pregnancy, the doctor may request additional tests, including an upper digestive endoscopy, used to directly observe the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).

Is Reflux During Pregnancy Common?

Reflux during pregnancy is very common, more than half of all pregnant women will experience symptoms of reflux.

Can Reflux During Pregnancy Affect My Baby?

Reflux during pregnancy will not affect the baby. Older people often say that when a woman suffers from a lot of heartburn during pregnancy, she will give birth to a hairy baby. Scientifically, this is not true, as the heartburn is caused by the gastric juice coming back up the esophagus, causing discomfort.

Treatment for Reflux During Pregnancy

The first thing to do when feeling symptoms of reflux during pregnancy, especially those that come back frequently, is to seek medical help. The doctor is likely to prescribe antacids.Liquid and chewable antacid medications work to neutralize the acid produced in the stomach3. Chewable antacids made from calcium carbonate and liquid antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide are also effective.Avoid antacids with aluminum on the label, as this ingredient can cause constipation and potentially be toxic in large doses.

Home Remedies for Reflux During Pregnancy

A small amount of ginger may help stimulate saliva production, as saliva is a natural antacid. Many women have found relief by eating raw almonds and an alternative is to use digestive enzyme supplements, which should only be prescribed by a professional, such as a nutritionist.Apple cider vinegar works well, or even eating a red apple may help reduce the symptoms of reflux during pregnancy.

What Can I Do to Prevent Reflux During Pregnancy?

Women who suffer from reflux during pregnancy should avoid foods and drinks that seem to make things worse. Drinks with caffeine, carbonated and alcoholic beverages tend to make pregnancy reflux symptoms worse.Processed meats, chocolate, and spicy, heavily seasoned, fried, or fatty foods can also increase reflux symptoms. Citrus fruits only worsen symptoms if the woman is having a flare up when she eats them.Some women confuse mint with spearmint; while spearmint can be soothing to the stomach, peppermint tea relaxes the esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps the esophagus closed, making it easier for gastric juice to come back up the throat.

Other Resources to Relieve Reflux During Pregnancy

Relieving reflux during pregnancy usually involves some trial and error. Slight changes in eating habits and consumption are often the safest methods for mother and baby. The following tips can help relieve heartburn:

  • Eat small meals more frequently and drink more fluids throughout the day, instead of having the habit of three large meals with large amounts of liquid.
  • Avoid drinking liquids with meals. Drink only 1 to 2 hours after each meal.
  • It is important to remember that you need to wait 2 to 3 hours after consuming any food or liquid before lying down or sleeping.
  • Stay upright for at least an hour after a meal. A pleasant walk may also encourage digestion.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Use pillows or cushions to elevate your upper body while you sleep.
  • Sleep on your left side. Lying on your right side positions your stomach higher than your esophagus, which can lead to reflux.
  • Sugar-free chewing gum after meals is a great remedy, as increased saliva can neutralize any acid that comes back up to the esophagus.
  • Avoid drinking milk. While it may seem that cold milk eases the symptoms of reflux during pregnancy, in reality, milk worsens the condition because it increases stomach acidity. The production of gastric juice intensifies after milk consumption, as the stomach needs to work harder to digest its enzymes, which ends up causing negative results in reflux.

Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or yoga. However, it’s important to always check with your doctor before trying any new treatments.See Also: Physical Activities for Pregnant Women: What is Recommended or Not Photos: Midnightcomm