Reflux During Pregnancy in 10 Questions

• What is reflux and what causes it?

In the simplest terms, the problem of food in the stomach coming back up to the mouth and throat instead of going into the digestive system is called reflux. Reflux, a type of digestive system disease, manifests itself with complaints of indigestion, bloating, sourness and burning, especially after eating. Reflux, which causes very serious health problems in older people and children, is seen in approximately 20% of all people. Reflux can be encountered in patients who apply to the doctor with complaints of pain felt in the chest, throat, stomach, back and rarely in the arm. If these complaints are accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, it is very likely that reflux is present. These complaints, which can also be felt immediately after eating, are mostly observed in those who lie down or fall asleep after eating. Sometimes, complaints severe enough to wake them up from sleep can be observed.

• Why does reflux increase during pregnancy?

The uterus is slowly growing from the beginning of pregnancy. As the uterus grows, the organs around it are compressed, and pressure is applied especially to the stomach. During this period, the woman consumes a little more food than normal and the stomach is fuller. As the growing uterus presses on the stomach, the food in the stomach moves from the esophagus to the throat and mouth. For this reason, women who rarely experience problems such as heartburn, sourness, and bitterness in the mouth before pregnancy encounter uterine pressure much more frequently during pregnancy .

• Can reflux be reduced by changing the diet during pregnancy?

Those who have reflux complaints during normal or pregnancy periods should definitely stay away from oranges, lemons, grapefruits, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, spices, ice cream, cheese, pasta, coffee, tea, vinegar, alcohol and chocolate. In addition, instead of eating large amounts at long intervals, eating frequently and in small portions will also reduce reflux complaints. It will also be beneficial to finish eating 3 hours before going to bed and drink only water after that time.

• Can increasing fluid intake relieve reflux?

For all individuals, whether pregnant or not, drinking at least 2.5 liters of water a day is absolutely essential for the health of the entire body. This amount of water should definitely be consumed to prevent heartburn and heartburn, especially during pregnancy. However, since drinking water during meals increases the pressure applied to the stomach, it is recommended to drink this water outside of meal times.

• Is it possible to get rid of reflux by changing life habits?

In order to somewhat reduce reflux, which bothers pregnant women more at night while they sleep, placing the pillow under the head under the shoulders will prevent food from rising up. Comfortable, loose clothing that will not squeeze or apply pressure to the abdomen and stomach should be preferred at all times of the day and night. Sitting upright and walking rather than slouching will reduce the pressure applied to the stomach and will also alleviate reflux complaints. In addition to all these, taking care not to gain too much weight during pregnancy will also help.

• Do I need to see a doctor for reflux complaints during pregnancy?

It is essential to consult a doctor for any unusual situation or complaint experienced during pregnancy. In this context, if the expectant mother cannot reduce or prevent reflux with simple measures taken at home, the best approach would be for her to go to the doctor and get advice.

• Does reflux occur in every pregnancy?

Many women who have never had reflux complaints before pregnancy may suffer from reflux during this period. In fact, approximately 40% of pregnant women have reflux complaints. However, it is also known that this condition increases in women who have reflux before pregnancy.

• Does smoking increase reflux?

Women during pregnancy should not use harmful substances such as cigarettes and alcohol under any circumstances. Since smoking triggers reflux as well as many other diseases, doctors definitely want people with reflux problems to quit smoking. In this context, women during pregnancy should not smoke because they think about their own health and the health of their baby, and because they do not want reflux to increase.

• Are there any risks to having an endoscopy during pregnancy?

There is no harm in having an endoscopy during pregnancy when deemed necessary by the doctor, but gastroenterologists do not recommend it during this process. In parallel, taking an esophageal x-ray is strictly prohibited. Because the rays in the esophageal x-ray are dangerous enough to cause injury to the baby.

• Can reflux treatment medications be used during pregnancy?

Any medication or supplement treatment method that pregnant women will use must be applied with the supervision and recommendation of a doctor. In this context, it is recommended that some changes be made in eating, drinking and living habits in order to reduce or prevent reflux during pregnancy. However, in cases where these do not work, antacids are recommended.