Have you been swapping stories with your other pregnant friends on the many pregnancy symptoms you’re all experiencing? One issue that’s likely top of your list is reflux, otherwise known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dealing with reflux during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and even distressing (especially if you had it before pregnancy). Never fear, as there are ways to manage it, so you enjoy more of pregnancy as you await baby’s arrival.
Understanding Reflux
Reflux happens when the valve between your esophagus and your stomach doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus. This can lead to a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), throat, or mouth; you may also have nausea, vomiting, bloating, trouble swallowing, and burping. About 9 out of 10 pregnant women experience reflux.
Reflux is more common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy when your growing uterus puts extra pressure on your stomach.
Reflux Causes During Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Pressure on your stomach
- Eating acidic or spicy foods
Your hormones change during pregnancy, relaxing the muscles in your esophagus. As baby grows week-by-week, your uterus expands, and this puts increasing pressure on your stomach, causing stomach acids to flow back into your esophagus.
Reflux Triggers
Eating large infrequent meals with spicy or acidic foods and drinking carbonated beverages can make reflux symptoms worse. As pregnancy progresses, reflux can occur more often and it can even become painful. The discomfort and agony caused by reflux can interfere with your daily activities, disrupt your sleep, and affect your overall quality of life.
Managing Reflux During Pregnancy
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overfilling your stomach
- Chew and swallow your food slowly
- Sit up when eating and stay upright after a meal; allow gravity to help keep stomach acid down
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (about 8-10 glasses) throughout the day to dilute stomach acid
- Drink between your meals instead of while you’re eating
- Avoid sodas, acidic drinks, and limit caffeine
- Drink ginger or chamomile tea to soothe your digestive system
- Avoid fried, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods that worsen reflux
- Give yourself time after eating (2-3 hours) before you recline or lay down
- Limit liquids before bedtime
- Raise the head of your bed or use pillows to elevate your head and shoulders when sleeping
If you smoke, vape, or drink alcohol—stop during pregnancy; it’s best for you and baby’s health.
Over-The-Counter Medication
At each prenatal appointment, talk with your pregnancy care provider about any reflux symptoms you may have and share what you’re doing at home to improve.
If the reflux isn’t getting better, ask if you can take over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms as these products are considered safe in pregnancy:
- Antacids that contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide
- Histamine-2 receptor agonists
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
If reflux continues after you’ve tried these suggestions, and especially if it gets worse (e.g., you spit up blood or have dark bowel movements), or if you feel chest pain, call your pregnancy care provider.
Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for your pregnant friend may not work for you. Listen to your body, pay attention to your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to call your pregnancy care provider.
Following these strategies, you’ll better manage reflux during pregnancy with greater ease and focus on enjoying this special time in your life. There’s a short time between now and the birth of your baby when reflux is likely to go away.
