If you are expecting, you should know there is a link between acid reflux (sometimes known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease) and your pregnancy. In many estimations by physicians, more than 50% of expectant mothers have reported that they have encountered symptoms ranging from small to severe while pregnant.
Even women who do not have a history of heartburn or indigestion, encounter acid reflux symptoms for the first time after getting pregnant and it is likely to get even worse during the second and third trimester of their pregnancy. Although it can be very painful, the heartburn a woman experiences while pregnant is usually quite harmless. And although pregnancy and severe acid reflux symptoms in women often go hand-in-hand, usually they disappear straight away after the pregnancy.
If you have been lucky so far to have never had a bout of the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn, the first time you experience it may be quite scary. Lots of pregnant women have questions about symptoms of heartburn. But before you allow the pain of heartburn shake you, keep in mind that more than 50% of all pregnant women have this same problem.
Acid reflux and pregnancy are often linked because:
1. Changing body hormone levels affect the workings of your digestive tract and the way different foods are digested. This might affect your ability to enjoy some of your favorite foods and even drinks.
2. The placenta emits a hormone, called progesterone, that relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), this allows the acid in the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus -- which is the traditional cause of heartburn.
3. Progesterone can slow down peristalsis (the involuntary contractions that transport your food through the digestive system). Naturally, this can make digesting your food more difficult.
4. Acid in your stomach will actually be pushed back up into the esophagus by the growing baby crowding your belly.
What Can You Do?
Sleeping on your side can help to lower your irritation from heartburn.
Watch what you eat and stay away from foods that bring on acid reflux symptoms.
You may need to alter your exercise. You may need to decrease or sometimes even increase your exercise to help with your symptoms.
You may not be able to eliminate your heartburn during pregnancy completely, but usually, barring any major complications, the well-being of your baby and your health are not at risk.
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