Heartburn or Acid Reflux and Pregnancy

Heartburn or acid reflux during pregnancy is a rather common occurrence in some women. More than 50% of all pregnant women will experience some type of acid reflux (or heartburn), even in women who have not had it previously. This happens for several reasons. First is the increase in progesterone. This strong hormone is what gives your abdominal and pelvic muscles, including your uterus, the ability to expand for your growing baby.

However, it also gives other muscles this ability as well, including that associated with your lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) is the closed valve at the bottom of your esophagus that holds the gastric acid and food in your stomach. So, when the progesterone allows for these muscles to soften, you get acid reflux. Another reason for your increased acid reflux is the development of your baby.

As you may know, there is only so much room in your body for your organs and your baby. When your baby reaches a certain stage of development, your organs often readjust to accommodate your baby’s growing size. This often causes your stomach to be shifted upward. This shift places more pressure on your stomach and that pressure is released through your LES, creating acid reflux and heartburn during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Prevention of Acid Reflux and Heartburn

So, how do you prevent this uncomfortable sensation of acid reflux and pregnancy? There is no sure-fire way to prevent acid reflux. However, here are a few tips that may make it less unpleasant.

• Avoiding foods that are high in fat, seasoning, or that are fried can help to reduce your chances of getting heartburn.

• Eliminating alcoholic beverages as well as beverages that are high in caffeine, such as cokes, teas, and coffees.

• Quit smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke. According to some doctors, smoking can actually increase your risk of acid reflux.

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Drink plenty between meals and not so much during a meal. This will not only aid in healthy digestion, but also will cause your stomach to expand allowing for more pressure on the LES without the burn.

• Take your time eating and eat smaller, more frequent meals. Taking your time to chew your food thoroughly will help in reducing acid buildup. Also, it is recommended that you eat small meals 6 times per day to not only help reduce the occurrence of acid reflux, but also to maintain a healthy weight and diet for your baby.

• Your posture can also affect your risk for heartburn. Instead of bending at the waist, bend at the knees to avoid undue pressure on the stomach. Also, maintain an upright posture. This will not only help with back pain later on, but will also keep the heartburn at bay.

• Understand gravity. Not apples falling from trees, but your gravity. This means sleeping with your head elevated. The gravity will work with your body to keep the gastric acid and food down.

• Keep a sensible weight. Being pregnant will mean that you are more inclined to gain a few extra pounds anyway. However, if these few extra pounds are going to be staying with you for more than nine months or so, then you need to watch them, as they may actually put more pressure on your stomach causing some of your dreaded acid reflux.