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Dyspepsia in pregnancy

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Dyspepsia in pregnancy is commonly due to acid reflux. Acid reflux is when acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus). This may cause heartburn and other symptoms. Attention to diet and lifestyle factor may help. Antacids are commonly used. A medicine which prevents your stomach from making acid may be prescribed if symptoms remain troublesome.

What is dyspepsia?

Dyspepsia is a term which includes a group of symptoms (detailed below) that come from a problem in your upper gut. The gut or 'gastrointestinal tract' is the tube that starts at the mouth, and ends at the anus. The upper gut includes the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Various conditions cause dyspepsia.
Dyspepsia occurs at some point in up to half of all pregnant women. The dyspepsia in pregnancy is usually due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus.

Understanding the oesophagus and stomach

When we eat, food passes down the oesophagus (gullet) into the stomach. Cells in the lining of the stomach make acid and other chemicals which help to digest food. Stomach cells also make a mucus which protects them from damage from the acid. The cells lining the oesophagus are different and have little protection from acid.
There is a circular band of muscle (a 'sphincter') at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach. This relaxes to allow food down, but normally tightens up and stops food and acid leaking back up (refluxing) into the oesophagus. In effect, the sphincter acts like a valve.

Acid reflux is when some acid leaks up (refluxes) into the oesophagus. The lining of the oesophagus can cope with a certain amount of acid. However, if more than the usual amount of acid refluxes it may cause some inflammation on the lining of the oesophagus, which can cause symptoms.