Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women. But as your body undergoes the changes needed to support a growing fetus, you might experience some unpleasant symptoms, and acid reflux can be one of them. Acid reflux during pregnancy can cause discomfort, sleep disturbance, and even lead to more severe complications if left untreated. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about acid reflux during pregnancy.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to poor closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring-like muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. The LES opens only when food or liquid needs to enter the stomach; otherwise, it remains tightly closed to prevent backflow.
What Causes Acid Reflux During Pregnancy?
Numerous hormonal and physical changes occur in pregnant women primarily attributed to elevated progesterone levels which causes relaxation of smooth muscles throughout the body including LES resulting in heartburn or acid-reflux. As your baby grows inside you (literally) , he adds pressure on your abdominal cavity causing difficulty in digesting food in addition all organs are shifted out of their usual place (Gosh save me) . These changes combined with increased abdominal pressure make it easier for gastric contents (food particles) &acidic juices/ liquids etc., such as bile(refers brownish waste produced by liver stored in gall bladder)to leak into oesophagus instead into digestive tract(yikesss).
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
- Burning sensation behind sternum(chest bone)
- Bitter taste/burping
- Feeling nauseous after meals
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry cough/Sore throat
It's important to note that these signs could also indicate other health problems like allergies but not to worry since this condition is manageable.
Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Non-treated acid reflux can lead to more severe complications for both you and your baby, including esophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus wall). Untreated symptoms could also reduce the functionality of LES by causing scarring (OMG that would be horrific) . Moreover untreated symptoms could cause heartburn or GERD(Gastro-oesophageal Findings) resulting in damages like barret oesophagus(Cancerous changes in cells of lower esophageal lining).
As per doctor's recommendation treating it will avoid such alarming situations. Also one should try avoiding acidic food - spicy food/carbonated drinks etc.,and instead opt for small portions frequently throughout day.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
A physical exam/ultrasound may reveal signs of acid reflux during pregnancy like bad breath, dental erosion caused due to acidic contents contacting teeth & gums regularly. The pH level test measures acidity levels once a thin tube with sensor through nose down throat into stomach.1
Treating Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Most women experience mild-to-moderate cases requiring minimal intervention(yay let us get over with it now) , but some require medications if it is affecting their everyday activities. Some treatment options include :
- antacids
- proton pump inhibitors(PPI’s)
- H2 receptor blockers
It should always only be taken as per obstetrician-gynecologist advice since medication there are some specific riks involved , until advised don't take any kind medication.
However lifestyle changes can work wonders which includes ingesting fewer carbohydrates and drinking lots off water, portion control avoiding tight clothing around the abdomen Avoiding Late Night Meals/A Little Walking Post Meals so stomach remains empty after-dinner hours calm body cool doun.
Furthermore pregnant ladies can opt for inclined bed therapy raising the height of headboards by 20cm and it involves sleeping in positions keeping upper body elevated than stomach.
Home Remedies To Alleviate Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Simple lifestyle changes at home could ease discomfort, so here are some ways to get relief when you don't want medications but wanna freeze your taste buds(yess that is what we hungry - preggers low key really miss )
- Ginger Tea Consider consuming ginger tea ,it helps reducing nausea motion sickness headaches migraines
P.s : Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) should be completely avoided during pregnancy because quick fix-could cause sodium levels to rise beyond permissible limits.
- Fruit Shake instead of citric acid-based juice with butter-free toast for breakfast ensures nutrients gets digested properly as well.
TIP: Avoid immediately lying down after a meal; chillout,maybe binge-watch your favourite show on Netflix or let yourself roll along the floor with pets(we ain’t judging) but do not step into slumber dome directly .
Takeaway:
Acid reflux is common during pregnancy due to progesterone hormone affecting digestive system .It can result in unpleasant symptoms causing uneasiness.Please speak with your doctor about treating any persistent symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy which will benefit both mother and baby
"Remember Ladies its an add-on tribute our bodies deserves while creating miracles inside"
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Source:http://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/reflux-and-esophagitis-pregnancy#treatment ↩