Why is acid reflux common during pregnancy?
About 80% of pregnant women experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during pregnancy. GERD, also commonly referred to as heartburn or acidity, involves regurgitation or backflow of stomach contents into the food pipe or oesophagus.
Acid reflux occurs due to improper functioning or frequent opening of the gastroesophageal sphincter or valve at the base of the oesophagus that acts as a gate between the food pipe and stomach. Weakness in the diaphragm, conditions like hiatus hernia, pregnancy, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle are other reasons for acid reflux.
What causes GERD during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy are the most common causes of acid reflux. Increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy cause the ineffective closure of the sphincter, which prevents the entry of stomach contents into the food pipe. As a result, the food and gastric acid keep coming back into the food pipe, causing symptoms.
Additionally, the growing foetus and enlarging uterus in the abdomen put pressure on the stomach and its contents resulting in reflux.
What are the symptoms?
Heartburn is the most common symptom experienced by pregnant women suffering from GERD. Other symptoms include:
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Reflux of food from the stomach into the mouth
- Burping or belching
- Hoarseness in a voice that presents as a cough
What are the tips for managing GERD during pregnancy?
- Avoid or restrict spicy, oily, and deep-fried foods.
- Eat at the right time.
- Do not skip meals.
- Split your meals into smaller meals to ensure your stomach is not full at any given time.
- Do not lie down within 2 to 3 hours following meals to ensure gastric contents move into the intestines and lower the chances of reflux.
- Use extra pillows to elevate your head while sleeping.
When to seek medical help?
Consult a medical gastroenterologist if you are experiencing reflux symptoms despite changes in diet and lifestyle.
What are the treatment options for managing GERD during pregnancy?
Antacids are usually prescribed for pregnant women to neutralise stomach acid. Drugs to reduce stomach acid production are also prescribed in some cases.
Takeaway points
- GERD or acid reflux is very common during pregnancy.
- It can be managed at home with some dietary or lifestyle changes.
- Persisting acid reflux symptoms despite dietary and lifestyle changes require medical help.
How can Bangalore Gastro Centre help?
The team of top gastroenterologists at Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals in HSR Layout includes a lady gastro doctor for women to discuss their health issues comfortably. The team also includes a nutritionist who can advise pregnant women on which foods to avoid to prevent acidity without compromising their unique nutritional needs.
Additionally, this best gastro centre in Bangalore also offers 24-hour pH tests, oesophageal manometry, and gastroscopy to understand the underlying issues in the digestive tract in severe cases of GERD.
