Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
A large number of pregnant people experience heartburn during pregnancy, and the logical next step is to see treatment for acid reflux. There is, however, a slight difference between the two terms that may help you differentiate: acid reflux refers to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not tightening as it should, which allows the stomach acid to travel up to your esophagus.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and it is often experienced as a feeling of burning or pain in your chest. During pregnancy, not only is your body changing to accommodate your baby, pushing all your gastrointestinal organs together and upwards, but your hormone levels also change and affect how you digest food.
How can it be prevented?
First things first, note that more than half of pregnant women report having heartburn in the third trimester. This is more common in women who have been pregnant before, or have experienced heartburn or dealt with acid reflux conditions before pregnancy.
Lifestyle Changes would be the first suggested method of helping you prevent heartburn during your pregnancy. One suggestion is to wear loose clothing as much as possible to avoid further constrictions on your body. You should also avoid lying down within 3 hours after a meal, and if that is not possible, make sure that your head is elevated–which can also help throughout the night as well. Additionally, lying on the left side of the body to sleep or rest has been shown to assist digestion much faster, and thus lessen the feeling of heartburn.
Eating Habits may be another element to address while pregnant. It is advised to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones so that your body has more time to process the food and digest easily. Eat slowly for the same reasons, and avoid consuming fluids with your meals– instead, consume fluids in between your meals. Sitting up straight when you eat can also be of great help, as well as not eating a big meal late at night/before you sleep. Cravings may not be avoided, but do your best to pace your intake of food and respect the new–perhaps slower and more sensitive–process of your digestive system.
What are safe medications?
Most pregnant people turn to Tums as a safe medication for heartburn during pregnancy. Tums is a typical antacid with a combination of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum salts that help neutralize stomach acid. Pay attention to the dose, however, as a pregnant person should not be taking more than 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day. Additionally, when pregnant, you should avoid long term use of medications that contain magnesium trisilicate.
Your doctor may suggest other medications, specifically a medication that blocks the stomach acid from traveling up to the esophagus and contains sucralfate. A tried and true method is also to avoid citrus foods, spicy foods and caffeine, and increase how much yogurt, milk, and probiotics you take.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12011-heartburn-during-pregnancy#prevention
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