20 Mar 2012

GERD and Pregnancy

A number of women suffer GERD at the time of their pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy showing signs of nausea and vomiting may be associated with GERD.  This is because the baby inside the mother’s womb consumes more space inside her stomach, causing GERD to arise. The pregnancy gives heavier pressure to the stomach and worsens GERD. Gaining weight on pregnancy may be attributed as   one factor that aggravates GERD. Hence, pregnant women who has GERD should eat small meals frequently than have one at a time heavy meals. Exercising also helps maintainthe pregnant women’s body at its average weight.

Women who already have the symptoms of GERD before getting pregnant will become worse when she enters the first trimester of pregnancy. The pregnant woman should be monitored closely from time to time to ensure safety of the baby. Vomiting during pregnancy as caused by  GERD lessens the nutrients that  the baby inside the womb should have which will eventually leadto the baby’s malnutrition. Frequent vomiting also leads to fluid loss on the pregnant woman’s body and may harm the baby. When there’s excessive vomiting, the pregnant woman should be rushed to  the hospital to restore fluid loss. It may take a few days of stay at the hospital. Safe medications are given to stop vomiting and to bring back her appetite for eating.

 Like any other GERD patients, pregnant women should also be picky  with their food intake. She should avoid eating acidic, spicy and fatty foods since it will only worsen the symptoms of GERD. Coffee drinkers and smokers should get rid of these unhealthy lifestyles. It will harm the baby and triggers GERD. Healthy and fibrous food must be eaten to ensure the wellness of the baby and take GERD and Pregnancy seriously.

The pregnant woman who has been experiencing signs of GERD should consult a doctor to keep track of her pregnancy. There should be a close collaboration between  the obstetrician-gynaecologist and the gastrointestinal tract specialist to ensure safe pregnancy. They should both have a say   on every decision that they will be making. For instance, which vitamin should the pregnant woman take daily and how it might affect the acidity of the stomach, and the baby’s health. Aside from nausea and vomiting, heart burn is the most common discomfort a pregnant woman with GERD may experience.

The medicinesrecommended to be used with the GERD patient who aren’t pregnant haven’t been tested yet on pregnant women. So, its effect to the baby has not yet been determined or proven and tested as safe. The pregnant women should be careful not to take GERD medications on  her own unless instructed by the doctor. The physician might allow her to take medicines under   minimal dosage.

However, there are natural ways to help alleviate the symptoms of GERD. Herbal products are easily accessible in some stores. Another one is the suggested elevating of the bed  by placing extra pillows under it, just before lying down or sleeping. It helps to avoid heartburn and sleeping discomforts.

Pregnant women with GERD should always be on guard and alert in following rules tokeep the baby safe and protected. It will always be the pregnant woman’s responsibility to take care of her baby no matter what.



1 yorum:

  1. Yes,most pregnant women have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially heartburn, at some point during pregnancy. These symptoms may begin at any time during a pregnancy and often may become worse as the pregnancy progresses. Heartburn is common during pregnancy because hormones cause the digestive system to slow down. The muscles that push food down the esophagus also move more slowly during pregnancy. In addition, as the uterus grows, it pushes on the stomach and sometimes forces stomach acid up into the esophagus.Thanks for the post..

    Eye care center in Guntur

    YanıtlaSil