Disabled-World.com estimates that as many as 80 percent of pregnant women have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, or acid reflux symptoms. Generally harmless, acid reflux occurs when the stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus. Several treatment options are available for women who experience this uncomfortable condition for the first time during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Acid reflux symptoms can begin as early as the first trimester and tend to grow worse during the second and third. The main symptom is heartburn, which BabyCenter.com describes as a burning sensation. This feeling can stretch from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat and cause much discomfort. Patients with a history of GERD are more likely to experience severe acid reflux symptoms while pregnant.
Causes
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase and remain elevated. They work to stretch the uterine muscles to make room for a growing baby, according to ScienceDaily.com, while also relaxing the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Consequently, gastric acids once held tight in the stomach can now seep back up, causing heartburn. As pregnancy progresses, the enlarged uterus and extra weight gain put pressure on the diaphragm and the upper abdomen and can also lead to acid reflux.
Lifestyle Modifications
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends several lifestyle modifications to help manage acid reflux symptoms. With regard to food, skip late night or pre-bedtime eating, along with greasy or spicy foods. Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks and citrus fruits as well. Eat ginger, a food that naturally stimulates the production of saliva, a natural antacid. Eat smaller meals to avoid overfilling the stomach, which can lead to heartburn. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down and lie with your head elevated. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that are not tight around the waist. Snug clothing puts pressure on the abdomen and esophagus sphincter and lead to acid reflux.
Medication Management
When lifestyle and dietary changes fail to keep symptoms at a manageable level, there are acid reflux medications safe to take during pregnancy. Over-the-counter antacids made from aluminum or calcium pose no health threat to pregnant women or their fetuses, according to Science Daily. Avoid antacids containing magnesium during the last trimester. H-2 blockers like Zantac and Tagamet block acid production, are available by prescription, and are also safe to take during pregnancy. Certain proton pump Inhibitors, such as Prevacid, stop the production of stomach acid and are deemed safe. They also require a doctor's prescription.
When to Get Help
Severe GERD can lead to malnutrition and weight loss that can be harmful to the mother and to the developing fetus, according to Disabled World. When weight loss is severe or if a pregnant woman does not put on enough weight during pregnancy because of acid reflux symptoms, a gastroenterologist will need to step in.
