The causes and symptoms of acid reflux in pregnancy

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What causes acid reflux during pregnancy?

The sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus normally prevents acid reflux. It is thought that when you are pregnant:

The increased level of certain hormones that occurs has a relaxing effect on the sphincter muscle. That is, the tone (tightness) of the sphincter is reduced during pregnancy.
The size of the baby in the abdomen causes an increased pressure on the stomach.

One or both of the above increases the chance that acid will reflux into the oesophagus.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux and dyspepsia of pregnancy?

Symptoms can vary from mild (in most cases) to severe. They can include one or more of the following:

Heartburn. This is a burning feeling which rises from the upper abdomen or lower chest up towards the neck. (It is a confusing term as it has nothing to do with the heart!)
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
Pain in the centre of the chest behind the sternum (breastbone).
Feeling sick and vomiting.
Bloating.
Quickly feeling 'full' after eating.

Symptoms tend to occur in 'bouts' which come and go, rather than being present all the time. They may begin at any time during pregnancy, but are usually more frequent or severe in the last third of pregnancy. As soon as the baby is born, dyspepsia due to pregnancy quickly goes.

Note: various other problems both associated with pregnancy, and unrelated to pregnancy, are sometimes confused with dyspepsia. For example, pain in the right or left of the abdomen is not usually due to dyspepsia. Excessive vomiting is not usually due to dyspepsia. If symptoms change, or are not typical, or become severe, then you should see a doctor.