REFLUX IN PREGNANCY: WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO PREVENT IT? - PARENTHOOD

Reflux in pregnancy: ways to prevent it and the most effective treatments

Approximately 80% of pregnant women suffer from gastroesophageal reflux especially in the third trimester, when the normal balance of internal organs including the stomach is upset by the growth of the baby. This is how gastric juices start to go up the walls of the stomach. reaching up to the esophagus and causing reflux. We talk about it together in this article, but first we suggest the video: foods to watch out for during pregnancy.

What does reflux in pregnancy consist of?

Reflux in pregnancy is not a dangerous or alarming condition and in most cases it resolves spontaneously after delivery. This premise is especially important to reassure future mothers who at times could be unnecessarily alarmed in the face of the first heartburn. However, it must be said that gastroesophageal reflux is certainly not a pleasant condition, which is why below we have collected a series of useful tips to prevent or treat it when it should appear.

Reflux in pregnancy: symptoms

Reflux has very specific symptoms that we are going to list below in such a way that it is easily identifiable for everyone.

retrosternal heartburn
acid regurgitation and nausea
stomach ache
dysphagia
feeling of weight on the stomach
feeling of lump in the throat
pain behind the breastbone
dyspepsia
abdominal pain
sinusitis
pharyngitis
hoarseness
chronic cough
laryngitis
dental erosion
asthma

The underlying causes of gastroesophageal reflux

What are the causes of the annoying reflux in pregnancy? Several factors need to be taken into account.

The placenta during pregnancy produces certain hormones such as progesterone, which works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the stomach to relieve uterine contractions. This, however, also has a negative side effect: relaxation also affects the muscles of the esophagus and the cardia, the valve located between the stomach and the esophagus. Its function is precisely to prevent the stomach from losing part of the its contents which could then rise towards the esophagus, so if the cardia is relaxed it no longer exercises its function.
Another underlying cause of gastroesophageal reflux is the growth of the uterus which compresses the stomach and intestines, making digestion much slower.

Medicines against reflux

During pregnancy it is always necessary to pay close attention to the medications taken, which is why we recommend that you contact your doctor in case heartburn and heartburn become unbearable and unmanageable. In severe cases, and only if they think it is really necessary, your doctor may prescribe an antacid such as Maalox which can also be taken by pregnant women. The best remedies, however, remain the natural ones as well as some precautions to prevent this annoying condition. Let's see what they are.

Effective natural remedies to combat reflux episodes

Especially for mothers-to-be, these natural remedies effective against gastroesophageal reflux will be very useful!

infusion of chamomile, aloe or licorice
ginger - in addition to helping against nausea, it is an excellent remedy for acidity. To be consumed both fresh and powdered, in the amount of about 300 mg after meals.
Altea extract - 2 tablets after main meals, or 2 g of leaves and flowers for each cup of boiling water, to be left to infuse for 10 minutes, filter and drink several times during the day.
centrifuged potato juice - 1/3 of a glass between meals
alginic acid - substance extracted from algae which turns into a gel inside the stomach that creates a barrier against gastric juices to protect the mucosa.
flax seeds - decoction to drink in the morning by mixing about 1 tablespoon of seeds in a saucepan with very little water, cook over medium heat, stirring until a gel is formed. To be taken in the morning and in the evening, at all times when there is an attack of reflux.

Reflux in pregnancy: preventing it is possible!

Here are some small but very precious tips related to lifestyle and the type of diet that can be of great help in reducing the frequency and intensity of reflux episodes.

Don't drink too much with meals.
Eat little and often so your stomach is never too full. The ideal would be to divide the diet into five meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks.
After dinner, wait at least three hours before going to sleep. The lying position promotes reflux, especially if we have eaten a large meal.
Add a pillow behind the back to assume a slightly inclined position, useful for a peaceful sleep without reflux.
The ideal position for sleeping at night is on the left side.
Avoid risky foods such as fried and spiced foods, acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus and fruit juices, chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol, carbonated and sugary drinks.
Keep a food diary to note down from time to time the foods that most easily trigger heartburn.
Do light but constant physical activity.
Not smoking.