One of the most typical signs of acid reflux is heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the chest that can occur often throughout pregnancy. Reversible reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus results in heartburn and related symptoms such as regurgitating food, trouble swallowing, nausea, and coughing. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the term for persistent acid reflux.

Although up to 50% of pregnant women may develop acid reflux, the condition affects only 20% of the general population. Hormones and the influence of the uterus developing are thought to be involved.

Progesterone, a hormone released by the body during pregnancy, relaxes the body's smooth muscle. This is advantageous because it permits the uterus to expand to accommodate the developing fetus. The drawback is that progesterone also causes the gastrointestinal tract's smooth muscle to relax. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus, is one such muscle. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing more easily through a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES), rearward into the esophagus, and into your chest and neck.

Additionally, progesterone slows down the rate of digestion, giving the fetus more time to take nutrients into the bloodstream. This implies that food remains in the stomach for a longer period of time, raising the risk of heartburn.

Pregnancy-related acid reflux may also be caused by the expanding uterus. The stomach and other nearby organs are compressed as the uterus grows. This could assist in forcing the contents of the stomach back into the esophagus. Although it can occur in the first trimester as well, this may also help to explain why heartburn may become more frequent as the pregnancy goes on in the second or third trimester.

Your risk of acid reflux during pregnancy may be increased by variables like weight, age, and previous acid reflux. Generally speaking, smoking (which you should avoid throughout pregnancy!), being overweight, and taking specific drugs are risk factors for acid reflux. Additionally, these characteristics may raise the risk for expectant mothers. It goes without saying that gaining weight is normal during pregnancy, and this extra weight may aggravate acid reflux.

Pregnant women who previously experienced acid reflux are more likely to do so again. The likelihood of experiencing symptoms is higher in younger women (those who become pregnant earlier in life) and those who have had acid reflux during previous pregnancies. Lifestyle and dietary choices may also be important.

Relieving reflux symptoms can be achieved by altering your diet and living habits. First, for pregnant women who have heartburn or acid reflux, lifestyle and dietary modifications are advised by researchers.

To begin with, you can benefit from changing your eating habits. Foods that can cause acid reflux should be avoided. After eating foods that are greasy, fatty, or spicy, many people get symptoms. The risk of acid reflux might also be raised by eating heavy meals or right before bed. Eat more frequently during the day in smaller portions, and wait at least two or three hours before bed. Steer clear of drinking anything after your meal since this can raise the pressure inside your stomach and increase the volume of contents. Drink instead, either before or after meals. Remember to avoid alcohol if you're expecting!

Maintaining a healthy weight, dressing loosely, and raising the head of your bed are further lifestyle adjustments. You can use a customized cushion, foam wedges under your mattress, or wooden blocks under the frame (place them carefully) to raise the head of your bed.

Consult with your doctor about taking medication if your symptoms don't go away after making these adjustments. Since they neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn, many people with acid reflux use over-the-counter antacids like Tums. While pregnant, they are typically safe, but there are several particular chemicals to be cautious about.

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.

One of the most typical signs of acid reflux is heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the chest that can occur often throughout pregnancy. Reversible reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus results in heartburn and related symptoms such as regurgitating food, trouble swallowing, nausea, and coughing. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the term for persistent acid reflux.

Although up to 50% of pregnant women may develop acid reflux, the condition affects only 20% of the general population. Hormones and the influence of the uterus developing are thought to be involved.

Progesterone, a hormone released by the body during pregnancy, relaxes the body's smooth muscle. This is advantageous because it permits the uterus to expand to accommodate the developing fetus. The drawback is that progesterone also causes the gastrointestinal tract's smooth muscle to relax. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus, is one such muscle. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing more easily through a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES), rearward into the esophagus, and into your chest and neck.

Additionally, progesterone slows down the rate of digestion, giving the fetus more time to take nutrients into the bloodstream. This implies that food remains in the stomach for a longer period of time, raising the risk of heartburn.

Pregnancy-related acid reflux may also be caused by the expanding uterus. The stomach and other nearby organs are compressed as the uterus grows. This could assist in forcing the contents of the stomach back into the esophagus. Although it can occur in the first trimester as well, this may also help to explain why heartburn may become more frequent as the pregnancy goes on in the second or third trimester.

Your risk of acid reflux during pregnancy may be increased by variables like weight, age, and previous acid reflux. Generally speaking, smoking (which you should avoid throughout pregnancy!), being overweight, and taking specific drugs are risk factors for acid reflux. Additionally, these characteristics may raise the risk for expectant mothers. It goes without saying that gaining weight is normal during pregnancy, and this extra weight may aggravate acid reflux.

Pregnant women who previously experienced acid reflux are more likely to do so again. The likelihood of experiencing symptoms is higher in younger women (those who become pregnant earlier in life) and those who have had acid reflux during previous pregnancies. Lifestyle and dietary choices may also be important.

Relieving reflux symptoms can be achieved by altering your diet and living habits. First, for pregnant women who have heartburn or acid reflux, lifestyle and dietary modifications are advised by researchers.

To begin with, you can benefit from changing your eating habits. Foods that can cause acid reflux should be avoided. After eating foods that are greasy, fatty, or spicy, many people get symptoms. The risk of acid reflux might also be raised by eating heavy meals or right before bed. Eat more frequently during the day in smaller portions, and wait at least two or three hours before bed. Steer clear of drinking anything after your meal since this can raise the pressure inside your stomach and increase the volume of contents. Drink instead, either before or after meals. Remember to avoid alcohol if you're expecting!

Maintaining a healthy weight, dressing loosely, and raising the head of your bed are further lifestyle adjustments. You can use a customized cushion, foam wedges under your mattress, or wooden blocks under the frame (place them carefully) to raise the head of your bed.

Consult with your doctor about taking medication if your symptoms don't go away after making these adjustments. Since they neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn, many people with acid reflux use over-the-counter antacids like Tums. While pregnant, they are typically safe, but there are several particular chemicals to be cautious about.

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.