{"id":43455,"date":"2021-10-14T09:30:49","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T13:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=43455"},"modified":"2025-04-08T13:42:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T17:42:54","slug":"acid-reflux-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/acid-reflux-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to treat heartburn during pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnancy can be full of sweet moments: the excitement of seeing a tiny heartbeat on ultrasound, the first little flutter kicks in your belly, and yes, even that third trimester waddle. What is not sweet, however, is the sour stomach and indigestion that pregnancy can bring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/span><\/a> is a digestive disease that occurs when the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach opens or loosens and allows stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn\u2014a burning feeling in the chest behind the breastbone\u2014and regurgitation, the sensation of fluid or food coming up into the chest. Though nearly everyone will experience heartburn from time to time, GERD is defined as having symptoms two or more times per week, or when the esophagus is damaged from reflux. Treatments often include dietary and lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the<\/span> American College of Gastroenterology<\/span><\/a>, GERD is quite common. It is thought that up to 20% of the U.S. population has it at one time or another, though this rate may be much higher in those who are elderly, obese, or pregnant.<\/span><\/p>\n

GERD during pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pregnancy heartburn is so common that it is almost a rite of passage, says <\/span>Sheryl Ross<\/span><\/a>, MD, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center. About a quarter of pregnant women develop GERD during the first trimester of pregnancy, and incidence increases as pregnancy progresses, according to <\/span>Austin Garza<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> MD, a gastroenterologist at Associates in Gastroenterology in Colorado Springs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is GERD common during pregnancy?<\/span><\/h3>\n

GERD is practically a hallmark of pregnancy because changing hormone levels can affect the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. The hormone progesterone, produced<\/span> in large amounts by the placenta, is a smooth muscle relaxant, according to<\/span> Heather Johnson<\/span><\/a>, MD, an OB-GYN at <\/span>Reiter, Hill and Johnson of Advantia Health<\/span><\/a> in the Washington, D.C. area. The relaxation of muscles in the digestive system also causes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles to relax. This allows stomach acid to more easily make its way into the esophagus. This, combined with the increasing size of the uterus in the second and third trimesters, pushes the stomach upward and intensifies uncomfortable symptoms. \u201cHence, symptoms tend to worsen as the pregnancy progresses,\u201d Dr. Johnson notes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does GERD feel like during pregnancy?<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cGERD can wear many hats\u201d and feel different in each individual, says Dr. Garza. Some may experience an intense burning sensation in the chest and throat, while for others it is a sharp pain just below and slightly to the left of the sternum. Some will have a sour taste or frequent regurgitation or burping. Often, symptoms are worse after meals, and this may make eating challenging, notes Dr. Ross.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because the symptoms can be wide-ranging and different for each person, it is important to know what symptoms are concerning. Rarely, GERD can cause severe esophageal irritation that leads to pain or difficulty with swallowing, or even bleeding. \u201cPassing dark or black stool would be concerning for the development of bleeding and should prompt an immediate discussion with your physician\/obstetrician,\u201d says Dr. Garza. He also cautions that GERD does not typically cause shortness of breath, pain with breathing, nor chest pain with exertion. Any of these symptoms could be signs of a more worrisome complication of pregnancy, especially the development of a blood clot, and would indicate that medical advice is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can acid reflux during pregnancy hurt my unborn baby?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Johnson assures that simple reflux on its own is not harmful to fetuses. It is only when there is a drastic effect on nutritional input that GERD during pregnancy could become a problem. If symptoms are preventing you from eating the recommended number of calories, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural remedies for pregnancy heartburn<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diet and lifestyle modifications are the primary<\/span> treatments for GERD<\/span><\/a> during pregnancy. Try the following steps to manage acid reflux during pregnancy:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Eat frequent, small meals instead of large meals.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Wait three hours after eating before lying down.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Limit weight gain to the<\/span> recommended amount for your pregnancy<\/span><\/a>, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Elevate the head of your bed about 8 inches. This can be done with a wedge pillow or blocks under the headboard posts.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Avoid bending over or stooping as much as possible, especially on a full stomach.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Avoid foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty foods.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Avoid spicy foods and instead eat bland foods, like yogurt, to help with GERD. Just make sure to consume low- or nonfat dairy to avoid triggering symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Try chewing gum. It can stimulate the salivary glands and clear acid buildup in the esophagus.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What can I eat that won\u2019t give me heartburn while pregnant?<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The good news is you can eat a lot of things that won’t cause heartburn symptoms while pregnant. The important question really is, says Dr. Johnson, what should you <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> eat if you have GERD? There is actually a relatively short list of foods to avoid, including alcohol, chocolate, citrus juices, tomato-based products, peppermint, coffee, and fatty foods.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Does water help with acid reflux during pregnancy?<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Water can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to affecting GERD symptoms in pregnancy. Dr. Johnson notes that some women find that drinking water after a meal helps. It is thought that it may reduce the level of acidity in the stomach. However, Dr. Ross suggests saving the water for non-meal times, as drinking large amounts while eating may fill up the stomach and increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Because stomach volume is reduced due to the growing uterus, consuming too much water can provoke GERD symptoms. Any extra water you drink can overwhelm the lower esophageal sphincter, causing uncomfortable symptoms. In other words, drink water in moderation, preferably after or between meals, to avoid provoking symptoms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Medications to treat GERD during pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Beyond the dietary and lifestyle measures listed above, safe antacids are the next step in treating GERD during pregnancy. The first-line <\/span>medications that are safe to use during pregnancy<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n