Reflux During Pregnancy

Reflux During Pregnancy

Heartburn and heartburn, pain in the chest area that does not belong to heart problems are typical complaints of Reflux disease. These complaints can be extremely disturbing and frustrating during pregnancy. This condition called Acid Reflux; It occurs when the stomach contents leak back into the esophagus. This causes irritation in the esophagus. Reflux is observed in 50% of pregnant women.

At the point where the esophagus and stomach meet, there is a structure called Cardio Esophageal Sphincter (CBS). This structure normally prevents the acidic contents of the stomach from passing into the esophagus. Because the direction of food and secretions in the digestive system is from the mouth to the anus and is a single direction. If for any reason this direction reverses, problems will arise, regardless of the level. When this direction of flow is reversed at the level of the stomach and esophagus, a condition called Acid Reflux occurs. Under normal conditions, the CSF acts as a valve that prevents the escape of acidic content from the stomach into the esophagus. For some reasons, KÖS cannot do its job properly. One of the conditions that causes this is pregnancy.

Some hormone levels that rise in the blood during pregnancy cause relaxation in the CSF. Pregnancy hormones also slow down the forward wave-shaped movement of the Esophagus. Gastric emptying is also delayed due to the effect of hormones and food is emptied more slowly from the digestive system. The reason for this general digestive system slowdown is; It will take longer for food to be absorbed and thus more nutrients will reach the baby. However, this causes indigestion and bloating. The uterus, which grows with the baby inside, compresses the stomach upwards. After birth, heartburn complaints disappear. However, a person who has Reflux during pregnancy is more likely to develop Reflux later.

Drugs Used in the Treatment of Reflux

• Antacids:Antacid preparations used in the treatment of Reflux during pregnancy prevent iron absorption. A two-hour interval should be left between iron preparations and iron preparations. Again, when choosing an antacid, antacids that are low in sodium should be chosen.
• Drugs that Prevent Acid Production in the Stomach:
• H2 Receptor Blockers ( Ranitidine, Famotidine....)
• Ace it Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Lansoprazole...)

These drugs should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor during pregnancy.

Things That Can Be Done to Prevent Reflux

• Some foods and drinks trigger reflux. Therefore, first of all, you should consume every food and drink cautiously. Because you know best what will bother you and what won't. However, we can list the foods with high potential for reflux as follows: mint, tomatoes, chocolate, fatty and spicy foods, fruit juices, hot drinks, coffee and alcoholic beverages....
• Eat your foods in small and frequent meals. work. Do not fill your stomach too much.
• If you smoke, you should quit smoking. Moreover, even if you do not have reflux, you know very well that smoking and pregnancy should not come together.
• Avoid positions that increase your heartburn. For example, slouching, leaning forward, etc....
• Stop eating three hours before going to bed, try to put your head 10 - 15 cm above the bed.
• Although they are not used much during pregnancy, some medications They increase reflux. For example; such as ibuprofen, aspirin, nifedipine and antidepressants.....

Symptoms of Reflux During Pregnancy

• Heartburn
• Bitter and sour liquids in the mouth.
• Chronic cough
• Feeling restless and weak, although it is not specific for reflux
• Rising up from sleep with a cough and a feeling of suffocation as a result of sudden acid leakage
• Chest and upper abdominal pain that can be confused with heart problems
• Pain in the breastbone
• Nausea, vomiting
• Bloating
• Food Getting full quickly during sleep

These symptoms are usually not continuous, but in the form of seizures that come and go. Although reflux is a problem in every period of pregnancy, it is most common in the last three months. Complaints related to reflux disappear quickly after birth.

Not every abdominal pain seen during pregnancy may be due to Reflux. For this reason, the causes of pain should be thoroughly investigated and potentially important problems should not be overlooked.

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