Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Heartburn — a burning sensation in the chest — is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux and can be common during pregnancy. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and symptoms like nausea, difficulty swallowing, coughing, or regurgitating food. Chronic acid reflux is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.

While only about 20% of the general population suffers from acid reflux, up to 50% of pregnant women may experience acid reflux. Researchers believe that hormones and the effect of the growing uterus play a role.

During pregnancy, the body releases the hormone progesterone, which causes smooth muscle in the body to relax. This is good because it allows the uterus to stretch in order to hold the growing fetus. The downside is that progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract. One such muscle is the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. A relaxed LES makes it easier for stomach acid to flow backwards, into the esophagus, and towards your chest and throat, causing heartburn.

Progesterone also slows down the rate of digestion, allowing more time for nutrients to absorb into the bloodstream and reach the fetus. This means that food stays in the stomach longer, increasing your chances of heartburn.

The growing uterus may also play a role in causing acid reflux during pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it places pressure on surrounding organs, including the stomach. This may help push the stomach’s contents back into the esophagus. This might also explain why heartburn may be more common as pregnancy progresses in the second or third trimester, though it can happen in the first trimester, too.

Factors such as weight, age and prior acid reflux may increase your risk of acid reflux during pregnancy. In general, risk factors for acid reflux include being overweight, taking certain medications, or smoking (which you should avoid when pregnant anyway!). These factors can increase risk for pregnant women, too. Of course, you’re expected to gain weight during pregnancy, and this increased weight can contribute to acid reflux.

Women who had acid reflux before pregnancy are more likely to experience it during pregnancy, too. Younger women (those who become pregnant earlier in life) and those with acid reflux during past pregnancies are also more likely to have symptoms. Dietary and lifestyle factors can also play a role.

Changing your lifestyle and eating habits can help relieve reflux symptoms. Researchers first recommend lifestyle and diet changes to relieve acid reflux and heartburn during pregnancy.

For starters, adjusting your eating habits can help. Watch out for foods that can trigger acid reflux. Many people experience symptoms after consuming greasy, fatty, or spicy foods. Eating large meals or eating close to bedtime can also increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Instead, eat smaller meals spread throughout the day and eat at least 2 or 3 hours before going to bed. Avoid drinking beverages with meals, as this can add to the volume of your stomach’s contents, and increase pressure in your stomach. Instead, drink between or after meals. Don’t forget to keep it non-alcoholic if pregnant!

Other lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing loose clothing, and elevating the head of your bed. You can elevate your bed-head using wooden blocks under the frame (be careful when placing them), inserting foam wedges under your mattress, or using a special pillow.

If your symptoms persist even with these changes, talk to your doctor about trying medication. Many people take over-the-counter antacids like Tums for acid reflux, as these neutralize stomach acid and ease heartburn. These are generally safe while pregnant, but there are some specific substances to look out for.

Avoid antacids with high levels of sodium or those that contain sodium bicarbonate, as this can build up bodily fluids and cause swelling. Watch out for aluminum or magnesium trisilicate as these may be risky for the baby. Avoid aspirin, unless your doctor specifically prescribes it for something else, such as treating preeclampsia.

Alpha treats acid reflux with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, which both act by lowering stomach acid production. These medications are generally considered to be safe during pregnancy, according to gastroenterology researchers, but always check with your doctor before seeking medication.

If you’d like relief from acid reflux, get started with Alpha today. All you have to do is sign up and complete an online consultation. Our medical team will review your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan just for you. Any medication we prescribe is delivered straight to your door with free shipping. It’s that easy. With just a click, you can manage your acid reflux and relieve heartburn.