Pregnancy comes with a lot of different side effects.  One of the more common side effects you may develop during pregnancy is acid reflux.  Also known as indigestion, heartburn, or GERD.  About every 9 out of 10 pregnant women will develop acid reflux by the third trimester.  Symptoms of acid reflux can start from around the 12 week mark of your pregnancy and go all the way until you deliver.  It is more common for pregnant women to suffer from acid reflux because of the increase in hormones.  Pregnancy hormones relax the valve that normally keeps the acid in the stomach.  Pressure on the stomach from the size of the uterus and baby can also cause the increased risk of acid reflux.  If you had acid reflux before becoming pregnant, or you have been pregnant more than once you also have a raised risk.  

 

Symptoms

Symptoms usually occur soon after eating.  Usually within 30 minutes to an hour after you have finished.  In some cases though, you may have delayed symptoms that don’t show up until long after you are done eating.  Symptoms can include a burning feeling in your chest that can range from mild to severe, sour or bitter taste in the back of your throat, feeling bloated, regurgitating, frequent burping, and feeling sick.  

 

Causes

Certain foods have a higher risk of causing acid reflux to occur.  Foods that are rich, fatty, or spicy.  Fruit juice, alcohol, fizzy drinks, drinks with caffeine, tomato based foods, or chocolate can all trigger acid reflux.  It may be a good idea if you are suffering from acid reflux to keep a food diary.  This way you can keep track of your specific trigger foods and know what you need to avoid throughout the rest of your pregnancy.  

 

Complications

Acid reflux during pregnancy is a normal side effect.  It usually goes away on its own after you give birth.  This is especially true for women who did not suffer from acid reflux before becoming pregnant.  It is rarely anything to be concerned about.  You can speak with your doctor and let them know you are suffering from acid reflux to make sure.  In some cases it can be a sign of something more serious.  It can be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication.  Other side effects of preeclampsia are headache, vision problems, pain below the ribs, feeling sick, feeling unwell, and sudden swelling of the hands and feet.  If you have any of these symptoms along with your acid reflux it is very important to tell your doctor.  Preeclampsia can be life threatening to both the mother and baby.  

 

Prevention & Coping Tips

Prevention is the best treatment for acid reflux.  There are things you can do to help lower your risk of developing acid reflux during pregnancy.  But with the increase in hormones and the size of your baby there is only so much you can do.  It may not be feasible to prevent acid reflux all together while pregnant. 

One thing to make sure you do during pregnancy is to eat healthy.  Instead of having three big meals throughout the day, it can be better to eat smaller amounts more frequently.  This could be 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.  While you are eating it is important to sit up as much as you can, so you aren’t putting extra pressure on your stomach.  After eating, remain upright for a while to help digestion. 

Try not to eat right before bed.  Instead give yourself three hours between eating and laying down to sleep.  Acid reflux tends to become worse if you are lying down, or bending over because it is easier for the acid to travel upwards.  While in bed propping up your head and shoulder can also help stop the acid from being able to move upwards as easily.  

Cutting out trigger foods can also be beneficial. 

Eating foods like yogurt, or milk can help neutralize the acid in your stomach. 

Adding a tablespoon of honey to warm milk and drinking that can also help alleviate symptoms. 

Chewing gum has been shown to help neutralize the acid in your stomach as well. 

Eating pineapple or papaya can help aid digestion because of the digestive enzymes that are found in those fruits. 

Ginger can help reduce inflammation and help prevent stomach acid from coming up. 

Snacking on almonds can also help too. 

Drinking liquids during meals can aggravate the acid reflux.  Instead of drinking while you are eating, drink in between meals.  Cut out liquids with caffeine and alcohol.  

Wearing loose clothing can also help. 

You should also avoid smoking or vaping while pregnant. 

In some cases over the counter antacids can be helpful.  Before taking any medication while pregnant it is important to speak with your doctor.  Antacids are not usually tested on pregnant individuals so knowing the risk is important.  Antacids seem to be more safe the further along in pregnancy you are.  There is more risk to the baby in the first trimester. 

 

Takeaway 

Pregnancy acid reflux is caused by the increase in hormones as well as the pressure from the baby on the stomach.  It is a common side effect that causes your natural stomach acids to come up towards your throat.  These symptoms of acid reflux usually go away after giving birth.  There are some lifestyle and health changes you can do to help lower your risk or ease symptoms.  Cutting out trigger foods can be most beneficial.  If you are losing weight, spitting up blood, or are showing other signs of preeclampsia it is important to get medical help right away.  

 

 

READ MORE: Products To Avoid While Pregnant


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