Acid reflux during pregnancy is a common occurrence: 25 percent of women experience pregnancy heartburn throughout the entire pregnancy. By the third trimester, acid reflux is one of the most common pregnancy side effects, affecting three quarters of all pregnancy women. Fortunately, pregnancy heartburn usually subsides after pregnancy.
GERD and Pregnancy
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus, a condition known as acid reflux. One of the most common symptoms of GERD is heartburn.
Exactly why pregnancy heartburn occurs is unclear. Research suggests several factors may cause acid reflux while pregnant.
Hormones and Acid Reflux in Pregnancy
Estrogen and progesterone, two important female hormones, rise dramatically during pregnancy: the two hormones are necessary for a successful pregnancy. Amongst other duties, estrogen and progesterone relax the uterus muscles. They also cause a number of pregnancy side effects, including slower digestion and constipation.
Estrogen and progesterone also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which usually prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Add that side effect to slower digestion, and pregnancy heartburn can result.
Pregnancy Weight Gain and Heartburn
Weight gain is one of the many possible GERD causes, and pregnancy weight gain is certainly a factor in pregnancy heartburn. Weight gain around the abdomen puts extra pressure on the stomach, putting extra pressure on the LES, which is already being affected by hormonal changes.
Pregnancy weight gain can cause hiatial hernias, where a portion of the stomach extends above the diaphragm. A hiatial hernia is one of the common causes of GERD.
Finally, the growing baby and enlarged uterus push the stomach upwards, placing even more pressure on the already taxed LES. With all these factors working together, the mystery isn't what causes acid reflux during pregnancy; it's how some women manage to avoid acid reflux while pregnant,
Acid Reflux and Severe Pregnancy Side Effects
Pregnancy heartburn is uncomfortable, but not generally considered one of the serious pregnancy side effects. In relatively few cases GERD can be severe enough to warrant hospitalization, especially if severe GERD results in malnutrition.
Pregnancy Heartburn Relief
While pregnancy heartburn is unavoidable for most women, there are ways to get some relief from GERD symptoms. Eating an acid reflux diet and avoiding GERD triggers can help minimize symptoms. The same lifestyle changes used in general GERD treatment can help with acid reflux during pregnancy.
Antacids can be taken during pregnancy. However, common antacid ingredients can result in unwanted pregnancy side effects:
- Aluminum antacids worsen constipation.
- Sodium bicarbonate can cause edema (fluid retention).
- Magnesium can slow labor.
Before taking any antacid for pregnancy heartburn, consult your physician.
After Pregnancy
Acid reflux may continue after pregnancy, but usually disappears in the months following birth. After pregnancy hormone levels return to normal. The uterus returns to its usual size, relieving abdominal pressure. Once lost, the effect of pregnancy weight gain on acid reflux is also relieved.
A small percentage of women continue to experience GERD after pregnancy. If symptoms persist, consult your physician. For the majority of women, however, infant acid reflux (spitting up) is the only acid reflux symptom that they see after pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
