Pregnant Women and Acid Reflux

Pregnant women from all parts of the world suffer from discomforts of many different types. But it appears common that many endure acid reflux.

There are a few reasons why pregnant women suffer from acid reflux. During pregnancy, a woman has very high levels of hormones circulating through the blood stream. Every aspect the female body is heavily effected by the dramatic increase, including the digestive system. Nausea and vomiting occur more often because of the high levels of hormones during the first trimester. Because of this, a woman's LES, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter as defined by Barretts Info, will loosen up a little. This valve keeps the food that the pregnant woman consumes inside her stomach and out of the esophagus as well as the airway. But if the valve is loose, then the acid from the stomach will flow back up into the esophagus. This will naturally cause heart burn.

Another reason why acid reflux happens in pregnant women is because the shape of the body will change shape. Dramatic changes in body shape doesn't happen until later in pregnancy. The stomach will expand which can possibly cause acid reflux. The larger size of your stomach puts more pressure on the esophagus.

The uterus has become much larger by the third trimester and has shoved the upper abdomen upward. This in turn will shove the stomach up against the woman's diaphragm. In some cases, a woman suffers from a hiatus hernia, which happens when part of her stomach forces itself through diaphragmatic hiatus.

Even though acid reflux can be very annoying for pregnant women, there are a few things that they can do.

Common sense plays heavily. A pregnant woman should watch what she eats. Things like fried foods, chocolate, mint, and spicy foods should be avoided or at least consumed in very little amounts despite the fact that such foods may taste good. Remember to also chew food slowly and thoroughly, which also helps in avoiding heartburn.

Disabled World suggests that a pregnant woman should avoid drinking too much tea, soda, and coffee. These drinks tend to loosen a woman's LES and cause heartburn.

A pregnant woman should also stop drinking alcohol and smoking during her pregnancy. It does nothing to help acid reflux, but it endangers the health and life of the fetus.

A natural and safe treatment would include ginger which helps stimulate saliva production. But a pregnant woman would only need a small amount of it. Ginger is a good way to relieve vomiting and nausea. It also relieves gas.

Pregnant women should also eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of trying to eat everything in sight. Heartburn and morning sickness won't be experienced as much because the pregnant body will be able to process small meals better than bigger ones.

Another way to help with acid reflux is to correct the posture. Don't slump! A pregnant woman should bend her knees while bending down. If she makes a habit of bending at the knees, there will be less pressure placed on the stomach and esophagus.

Whenever possible, a pregnant woman should try to exercise. But heavy workouts and exercises that involve bending forward should be avoided. Stretching and brisk walking do not cause acid reflux.

The advice above should help a pregnant woman lower her chances of getting acid reflux.

Barretts Esophagus, Barretts Info
Acid Reflux in Pregnancy, Disabled World