Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common condition among expectant mothers. The primary cause is often hormonal changes, but in some cases, it can be a warning sign of more serious medical conditions.
1. Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a common condition among pregnant women. It manifests as a burning sensation starting below the sternum and extending to the lower throat due to stomach acid flowing backward into the esophagus. In some cases, stomach acid may reach the throat or mouth, leaving a sour and bitter taste. This condition can occur at any time during pregnancy but is most common in the latter half. Approximately one-third of pregnant women experience acid reflux in the first trimester, while up to two-thirds experience it during the final trimester.
Acid reflux during pregnancy is a common and harmless symptom, but it can cause discomfort and sore throat. Although not related to cardiovascular disease, heartburn during pregnancy can cause a burning sensation in the center of the chest. If you have heartburn during pregnancy and have some of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately:
- The burning pain of heartburn usually radiates from behind the breastbone to the throat. However, if you feel pain in the upper stomach and below the ribs, it could be a sign of preeclampsia.
- If you have pain in the upper right part of your stomach while you are sick, it could be a sign of liver disease during pregnancy.
In addition, some other causes can cause acid reflux during pregnancy that results from pre-existing gastrointestinal problems that are not related to pregnancy such as gastric ulcer.
See now: Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in pregnant women
2. Reasons why pregnant women often have acid reflux during pregnancy
During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes in the body can lead to temporary symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. Progesterone hormone in the body increases to help relax the smooth muscles of the uterus to support the development of the fetus can:
- Relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter: a muscle acting as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to reflux, leading to a burning sensation in the throat in pregnant women.
- Reduced gastric motility: delaying digestion.
During the final stages of pregnancy, the growing fetus pushes the small intestine and stomach upward. This further slows digestion and pushes more stomach acid up into the esophagus.
3. How to reduce acid reflux during pregnancy
Acid reflux during pregnancy will make pregnant women feel uncomfortable. If it happens frequently, it can affect the health of pregnant women. Therefore, some measures to help reduce heartburn during pregnancy include:
- Avoid foods and drinks that commonly cause digestive problems such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods such as lemon juice, oranges, sour fruits, vinegar, mustard, chili sauce, processed meat, spicy foods, and foods containing a lot of spices or fried and greasy foods.
- Don't eat large meals: Instead of eating all at once, pregnant women should eat small meals throughout the day, take time to eat slowly, and chew thoroughly.
- Avoid drinking too much water during meals: Drinking plenty of water is important during pregnancy, but drink it after meals if you don't want to strain your stomach.
- Chew gum after eating: Chew gum will help stimulate the salivary glands to secrete saliva to neutralize acid, avoiding heartburn during pregnancy.
- Don't eat close to bedtime: The human body needs 2 to 3 hours to digest before you sleep.
- Sleep with pillows around you: Using pillows to elevate your upper body will keep acid in your stomach.
- Do not smoke or use stimulants: Stimulants are the cause of many health problems, especially cigarettes, which can increase stomach acid. Therefore, to have a healthy pregnancy, you should quit smoking and avoid stimulants such as alcohol before pregnancy. If you are still smoking and have difficulty quitting, contact your doctor to implement a smoking cessation program.
- Maintain healthy weight gain appropriately during pregnancy as recommended by your doctor.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes: Pregnant women should wear comfortable clothes and avoid clothes that compress the abdomen and waist area.
Don't smoke and use stimulants: stimulants are the main cause of many health problems, especially in cigarettes and stimulants also increase stomach acid. So to have good pregnancy health, you should quit smoking and stimulants like alcohol before you get pregnant. If you're still smoking and are having a hard time quitting, contact your doctor to put in place a smoking cessation program. Gain weight appropriately during pregnancy and maintain a healthy weight as recommended by your doctor Wear soft and comfortable clothes: Pregnant women should wear comfortable clothes and avoid clothes that tighten around abdomen and waist area.
In short, acid reflux n is a common condition during pregnancy. However, this is completely normal due to changes in the body and hormones during pregnancy. However, if acid reflux is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, stomach pain, etc., pregnant women should go to a medical facility immediately for timely examination and treatment.
The 9-month period of pregnancy brings both difficulties and joys to the mother. Therefore, proper physical and emotional care is essential. In particular, gastroesophageal reflux disease occurring during pregnancy can seriously affect the mother's health as well as the development of the fetus. Therefore, if acid reflux persists or if pregnant women have diseases that affect their health during pregnancy, they need to go to medical centers to ensure timely examination and treatment.
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