Pregnancy Reflux

What is Reflux?

The word reflux has its origins in the Latin word "refluere", meaning "backflow" . While defining reflux in medical terminology, the name of the region where reflux occurs is mentioned. For example, “gastroesophageal reflux” or “duodenogastric reflux”. On the other hand, when the word "reflux" is mentioned, it generally means the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Stomach contents contain corrosive substances such as acid and digestive enzymes. Due to the stomach's own defense mechanism, stomach contents that do not damage the stomach wall damage the esophagus, which does not have a defense mechanism. Reflux is generally caused by weakening or relaxation of the muscles at the lower end of the esophagus. In addition, pressure on the stomach can cause stomach contents to back up into the esophagus.

What is Pregnancy Reflux?

Pregnancy Reflux is the reflux disorder that occurs during pregnancy due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. Reflux is common during pregnancy and many women can be affected by it. Causes of Pregnancy Reflux reflux include:

• Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body change. These changes, especially the hormone progesterone, can cause the stomach muscles to relax and stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

• Increased pressure in the stomach: The growing uterus during pregnancy can increase the pressure in the stomach, causing the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

• Nutritional habits: Eating meals more frequently and in smaller amounts during pregnancy, eating just before going to bed, consuming fatty or spicy foods, and excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages may increase pregnancy reflux.
• Body position: During pregnancy, lying on your back or forward can make it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
• Fluid accumulation in the body: Fluid accumulation in the body during pregnancy may facilitate the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Pregnancy Reflux may continue until the end of pregnancy or may disappear immediately after delivery. However, in some cases, it may persist after delivery and require treatment.

What Should Be Done to Prevent Pregnancy Reflux?

You can apply the following methods to prevent pregnancy reflux:

• Eat small portions frequently: Eating large portions can cause stomach filling and acid to back up into the esophagus. Therefore, choose to eat small portions frequently throughout the day.
• Avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods: Spicy, fatty and acidic foods can cause the stomach to secrete more acid. This can increase pregnancy reflux.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks: Caffeinated drinks can increase pregnancy reflux by increasing the production of stomach acid. Therefore, avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, cola.
• Don't lie down right after a meal: Going to bed right after a meal can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Therefore, try to stay in an upright position for at least 2 hours after eating.
• Elevate your head: Raising your head while lying down can prevent stomach acid from escaping back into the esophagus. For this, you can use a high pillow or a block to raise the head of the bed.
• Don't sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back can make it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Therefore, try to sleep in the side or stomach position.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can help dilute stomach acid and prevent it from backing up into the esophagus.
• Exercise: Exercising can reduce pregnancy reflux by regulating the digestive system.

Is There a Medical Treatment for Pregnancy Reflux?

In reflux complaints not caused by pregnancy, drug treatments can be applied in addition to improving the lifestyle. However, it is important that you follow your obstetrician's recommendations for medication use during pregnancy. Pregnancy reflux usually decreases or disappears after pregnancy.

Pregnancy follow-up of the obstetrician during pregnancy is of great importance for the health of the mother and fetus.

This includes pregnancy reflux…