What to do about heartburn and acid reflux at eight months pregnant
May 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Heartburn and acid reflux at eight months of pregnancy may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, chronic gastritis, etc., and symptomatic treatment should be provided based on the specific situation. At eight months pregnant, women are in the late stage of pregnancy; during this time, the fetus grows rapidly, and the enlarged uterus exerts pressure on the stomach and bladder, thereby reducing gastric capacity.
Pregnancy refers to gestation. Generally, heartburn and acid reflux at eight months of pregnancy may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, chronic gastritis, etc. Symptomatic management should be based on specific circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
Eight months into pregnancy falls within the third trimester. At this stage, the fetus grows rapidly, causing the uterus to enlarge in size. This enlargement exerts pressure on the stomach and bladder, reducing gastric capacity. As a result, gastric acid may reflux into the esophagus after secretion, leading to heartburn and acid regurgitation. This is a normal phenomenon and typically resolves gradually after delivery.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Pregnancy causes significant hormonal fluctuations in a woman's body, which can impair digestive function. Consuming excessive amounts of hard-to-digest food may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and inadequate gastric motility. After eating, increased gastric acid secretion can cause a burning sensation in the stomach. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and increase fluid intake appropriately to enhance metabolism. If necessary, medications such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules or Bacillus subtilis bivalent viable granules may be used under medical supervision.
2) Chronic Gastritis
If a pregnant woman had chronic gastritis prior to pregnancy, the decline in immunity during pregnancy may trigger a recurrence. Stimulated by inflammatory factors, gastric mucosa becomes edematous and congested, delaying gastric emptying. This prolongs exposure of the gastric wall to gastric acid, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. Under a doctor’s guidance, pregnant women may take medications such as lactase tablets or butyric acid Clostridium viable powder for treatment.
In addition, these symptoms could also be caused by other conditions such as constipation, reflux esophagitis, or gastric ulcers. It is advisable to maintain regular daily routines and avoid strenuous physical activity.
