How to help the symptoms of acid reflux in pregnancy

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What can I do to help with symptoms?

The following are commonly advised. There has been little research to prove how well these 'lifestyle' changes help to ease reflux. However, they are certainly worth a try.

Consider avoiding certain foods, drinks and large meals?

Some foods and drinks may make reflux worse in some people. (It is thought that some foods may relax the sphincter and allow more acid to reflux.) It is difficult to be certain how much foods contribute. Let common sense be your guide. If it seems that a food is causing symptoms, then try avoiding it for a while to see if symptoms improve. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of making symptoms worse in some people include: peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks. Also, avoid large meals if they bring on symptoms. Some women find that eating smaller meals more frequently is helpful.

Stop smoking if you are a smoker

The chemicals from cigarettes relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely. Symptoms may ease if you are a smoker and stop smoking. (In any case, it is strongly advised that pregnant women should not smoke for other reasons too.)

Have a good posture

Lying down or bending forward a lot during the day encourages reflux. Sitting hunched or wearing tight belts may put extra pressure on the stomach, which may make any reflux worse.

Bedtime

If symptoms recur most nights, it may help to go to bed with an empty, dry stomach. To do this, don't eat in the last three hours before bedtime, and don't drink in the last two hours before bedtime. If you raise the head of the bed by 10-15 cms (with books under the bed's legs), this will help gravity to keep acid from refluxing into the oesophagus.

Side-effect from medicines

Some medicines may make symptoms worse. (Most pregnant women will not be taking these medicines, but they are mentioned here for completeness.) They may irritate the oesophagus, or relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely. The most common culprits are anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin). Others include: diazepam, theophyline, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine. Tell a doctor if you suspect that a prescribed medicine is making symptoms worse.