Pregnancy

The Symptoms of Acid Reflux during Pregnancy

Introduction The question of whether it is merely a harmless for the heartburn discomfort, or a troubling symptom, in need of further clarification, has recently moved increasingly into the public debate. The fear of cancer as a result of heartburn is central. The irritation of this discussion in the lay press (and because a large [...]

Introduction

The question of whether it is merely a harmless for the heartburn discomfort, or a troubling symptom, in need of further clarification, has recently moved increasingly into the public debate. The fear of cancer as a result of heartburn is central. The irritation of this discussion in the lay press (and because a large proportion of pregnant women under temporary heartburn) are suffering from a medical point of view cause for clarifications.

Definition and incidence

Heartburn is defined as a localized burning sensation behind the breastbone and the heat rising from the middle upper abdomen into the throat pit. This is sometimes painful, sometimes spasmodic complaints arise from varying intensity and duration and can interact spontaneously or in connection with the food. Accompanying symptoms are often the rising of air and acid gastric juice, pressure and fullness in the upper abdomen, feeling of a lump in the throat and increased salivation.

The symptom of heartburn does not allow definitive conclusions about mucosal pathological changes in the lower esophagus. Heartburn may also occur in healthy individuals. Some patients have predominantly heartburn associated with regurgitation during the day, other patients, particularly at night and morning due to complaints of a burning feeling behind the breastbone.

More frequently and more intensely acid regurgitation and retrosternal burning sensation, occurs, more often you will find in one at the esophagogastroduodenoscopy reflux esophagi. The inflammatory mucosal changes in the lower esophagus may be associated with ulceration that may heal with scar formation of the stricture.

Acid Reflux Treatment During Pregnancy

The weight gain occurring naturally during pregnancy and the increasing size of the baby will exert added pressure on the stomach acids and this would in turn force the stomach contents to rush in to esophagus and thus worsen acid reflux condition of the pregnant women.

Women face a tough time during pregnancy.

For some women, the added woes of acid reflux (or heart burn as it is commonly known) has to be tackled as well. Many of them face this uncomfortable pain and acidic taste in their chest region, throat and in some rare cases even in side their mouth. In many cases, these women never had these problems prior to their pregnancy. Still they have to suffer through this condition during these nine months. Let us go through the reasons for this and a few tips to reduce the uncomfortable condition here:

One reason for the occurrence of heart burn is the hormonal changes occurring in the human body during pregnancy. These hormones softens the woman’s body, and this in turn results in the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) relaxing more often than previously, and that too at inappropriate times. As LES is responsible for holding the stomach acids in place and thus averting acid reflux, this will result in worsening of this painful condition.

The weight gain occurring naturally during pregnancy and the increasing size of the baby will exert added pressure on the stomach acids and this would in turn force the stomach contents to rush in to esophagus and thus worsen acid reflux condition of the pregnant women.

Any use of heart burn medicines during pregnancy should be at the guidance of your physician alone. Never gulp on any over the counter medicines without consulting your physician.

Any commonly used methods to reduce heart burn can provide relief from this condition during pregnancy too. Acid reflux causing food items can cause heart burn during pregnancy too and should be reduced or avoided altogether, if possible.

If you need to bend your body, do so at your knee than your stomach. This would reduce the pressure exerted on your stomach area and hence the chances of acid reflux condition.

Sleep with your head in an elevated position. This can be achieved through the use of extra pillows or elevating the coat itself. This way gravity would help keep the stomach fluids in its place.

Use comfortably fitting clothes so that they don’t exert too much pressure on the stomach area. Any added pressure on your stomach area can elevate heart burn condition during pregnancy.

Make sure that you have your dinner at least four hours prior to bed time. This would help in reducing acid reflux condition.

Small portions of meals at frequent intervals would be best during pregnancy. It is highly recommended to avoid eating big meals. Make sure you eat your food slowly while chewing thoroughly.

Drink lots of water. Make sure you space your water intake all throughout the day. Never drink too much water along with your meals.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are not good during pregnancy. Besides this, these habits are known to worsen the heart burn conditions and hence should be avoided. Consumption of caffeinated drinks and coffee are also known to adversely affect your heart burn condition.