Pregnancy and Acid Reflux: What’s the Link?
We’ve discussed how to recognize acid reflux before (see Am I Suffering From Acid Reflux?); however, we haven’t yet covered how common it is in pregnant women. In this blog, we’re going to answer a few common questions our doctors hear from patients about pregnancy reflux, including how can I stop acid reflux during pregnancy, is acid reflux a pregnancy symptom, and what does it mean when you have a lot of acid reflux while pregnant.
Let’s jump right in and get you some answers to your questions.
Common Questions About Acid Reflux & Pregnancy:
#1: Is Acid Reflux a Pregnancy Symptom?
Acid reflux could be considered a symptom of pregnancy, yes. However, we prefer to think of it as a byproduct of all the other critical changes that are happening in the body during pregnancy – let’s take a look.
#2: What Causes Acid Reflux in Pregnancy?
Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It is often caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. During pregnancy, there are a number of factors that can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux, including:
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, such as progesterone, can relax the LES and make it more likely for stomach acid to back up.
Increased pressure on the stomach: As the baby grows, it puts pressure on the stomach, which can also make it more likely for acid reflux to occur.
Changes in diet and lifestyle: Some pregnant women may find that their diet and lifestyle changes during pregnancy, such as eating more spicy foods or gaining weight, can also contribute to acid reflux.
#3: What Does It Mean When You Have a Lot of Acid Reflux While Pregnant?
Having a lot of acid reflux while pregnant is a common occurrence. It is estimated that up to 80% of pregnant women experience heartburn at some point during their pregnancy. You may have heard that the more heartburn you have during pregnancy, the more hair your baby will have! While that myth certainly isn’t true, heartburn is something you’ll want to keep an eye on.
#4: What Are the Risks of Untreated Reflux?
In most cases, reflux is not serious and can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, if left untreated, reflux can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
Esophagitis
Barrett's esophagus
Esophageal stricture
Aspiration pneumonia
Heartburn-related asthma
#5: How Can I Stop Acid Reflux During Pregnancy?
There are a number of things you can do to stop acid reflux during pregnancy, including eating small, frequent meals; avoiding certain foods and drinks; not eating or drinking anything within 3 hours of bedtime; elevating the head of your bed; lying on your left side to sleep; wearing loose clothing; quitting smoking; losing weight if you are overweight or obese; and taking over-the-counter medications (make sure you talk to your OB first).
#6: Will I Still Struggle With Acid Reflux After Pregnancy?
Whether or not you will still struggle with acid reflux after pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including your age, weight, overall health, and whether you had acid reflux before pregnancy.
For most women, acid reflux goes away after pregnancy. However, for some women, it can continue or even worsen. If you had acid reflux before pregnancy, you are more likely to continue to have it after pregnancy.
If you do still have issues though, you have several options. If you’re still dealing with pregnancy reflux after you had your baby and finished breastfeeding, get in touch with our team of experienced GERD surgeons – we can help you get rid of your reflux for good.