Pregnancy Reflux: What To Do To Avoid It

Gastroesophageal reflux is a mild but especially bothersome condition

Reflux from pregnancy is one of the symptoms that occurs most frequently at this stage. It is also called heartburn.

In this article we explain what it is, as well as some very effective tips to prevent and combat it. Keep reading to know more!

What is reflux?

To understand what is the reflux of pregnancy, let’s first see what we mean by reflux. It is when the food goes against the normal flow, against the current.

Food passes from the mouth to the pharynx, then the esophagus, and then the stomach. This is where they dissolve with the gastric juices.  Between the stomach and the esophagus there is a valve that prevents food from backing up.  Sometimes this valve fails leading to backflow.

It is the regurgitation of food with a sensation of acidity that produces discomfort. In other words, it is the spontaneous passage of gastric contents into the esophagus.

The main symptom is a burning sensation in the chest or throat.  It has a higher incidence from the third trimester of pregnancy.  It is reversible, since it ends when the baby is born.

What produces it?

While there is no clear cause of pregnancy reflux, there are several theories that try to explain this situation:

• Increase in abdominal volume. As the uterus grows and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity, it displaces the stomach upwards, changing its position from being oblique to being horizontal. The valve is deformed and does not close as it should.

Because of this position , food takes longer to leave the stomach. By emptying more slowly, the chances of reflux increase.

• Hormonal factors . During pregnancy, progesterone increases. This hormone is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles of the body. This slows down the stomach to empty and the cardia to allow part of the gastric contents to pass back.

What symptoms does it produce?

In general, they  appear after food intake:

• Sickness .
• Vomiting
• Indigestion.
• Hypersalivation
• Bad taste in the mouth.
• Acid taste in the mouth.
• Burning in the chest or throat.

• Burning sensation that extends from the stomach to the throat.

How to combat reflux of pregnancy?

• Make several small amounts of meals during the day. This helps the digestion process. Since the stomach takes less time to digest food.
• Chew food very well and slowly . This way the stomach has less work to digest the bolus. This is the most appropriate way to eat.
• Don’t lie down right after eating .
• Keep your head elevated when lying down  to take advantage of gravity. Sleeping with two pillows is not such a good idea as it causes flexing of the trunk.
• Avoid very hot or very cold food,  since they can irritate the stomach.
• Avoid foods that increase acidity . Like citrus fruits, tomato puree or some seasonings.
• Increase your water intake . It is important to drink more water between meals and not so much during them to avoid excessively increasing the volume of the stomach.

• Do not consume aggressive drinks such as alcohol, soft drinks, or coffee.
• Bending over after eating is not advised .
• Avoid fatty foods . These promote relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and thus allow the passage of stomach contents into the esophagus.
• Antacids . They are prescribed by doctors and give very good results. Always under medical supervision.
• Eating gum after meals . This promotes the release of saliva from the salivary glands, which neutralizes the acid.
• Loose and comfortable clothing . It is advisable not to wear clothes that excessively tighten the belly or waist.
• No Smoking .  Cigarettes, in addition to being contraindicated during pregnancy, increase heartburn.

Relax and prevent

Although it is a temporary disorder, the symptoms are usually most annoying.   The best thing is to relax and prevent.  If you follow all the rabbits you will see how the discomforts of pregnancy reflux disappear. 

If they persist, consult your doctor to prescribe something to alleviate the symptoms. Don’t be afraid of antacids. Controlled and indicated by a professional they are the safest.   When giving birth everything returns to normal.