Acid Reflux Diet

Discussions of the beauty of pregnancy rarely include acid reflux, even though it is a common ailment during pregnancy. It is estimated that 75 percent of pregnant women experience acid reflux by the third trimester. Understanding pregnancy reflux, and what to do about it, is a key element in relieving the suffering.

What is Pregnancy Reflux?

Although pregnancy reflux and acid reflux are essentially the same thing, there are differences. With acid reflux, the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle at the base of the esophagus, does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Typically, the problem is due to abnormally weak contractions or abnormal relaxation of the muscle.

Although the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly in pregnant women, the cause of the problem is different. Higher hormone levels cause the muscle to relax, while the shift in organs that takes place to accommodate the baby creates upward pressure on the stomach. Basically, the muscle relaxes at the same time that stomach contents are being pushed back toward the opening. When combined with high acid levels that can result from dietary habits during pregnancy, it is surprising that pregnancy reflux only affects 75 percent of women.

Another major difference between pregnancy reflux and acid reflux is healing. Typically, when someone suffers from acid reflux, it does not go away on its own. Even after being treated, acid reflux symptoms will return if the person stops treatment. Pregnancy reflux, on the other hand, usually goes away completely within a few weeks after the baby is born.

How to Treat Pregnancy Heartburn

Treatment of pregnancy GERD generally begins with some basic lifestyle changes.

· Eat several small meals through the day, rather than three large meals. The smaller meals help ease pressure on your stomach because it is not as distended with food.

· Avoid acid-inducers. If nicotine, caffeine and alcohol have not been eliminated during pregnancy, they need to be. In addition to birth defects, all three cause higher levels of stomach acid, worsening the symptoms of reflux. Fatty foods, chocolate, citrus fruits and tomatoes can also increase levels of stomach acid.

· Elevate your head whenever lying down. The elevation makes it more difficult for acid to flow back into the esophagus. Gravity helps pull stomach contents back into the stomach, but it doesn't work when lying flat.

· When exercising, avoid bouncing up and down, as well as exercises that require bending forward. Try to stick with exercises that keep you upright.

· Make sure clothing is loose around the waist and abdomen. Tight clothing increases the pressure on your stomach.

Medication may also be an option. Over-the-counter antacids are safe to take during pregnancy and can alleviate pregnancy reflux symptoms. Your doctor may also choose to provide you with a prescription designed to treat acid reflux.

Acid reflux can be a source of misery during pregnancy, especially since it seems to be at its worst just when a woman finally gets past the morning sickness stage. Fortunately, pregnancy reflux goes away after the baby is born. In the meantime, knowing about acid reflux and pregnancy, including how to treat it can make it a less troubling experience.

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