Are you pregnant and often bothered by acid reflux? Here are a few tips to help you relieve them, all compatible during pregnancy!
Why do some women experience reflux while pregnant?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause many of the body’s tissues and muscles to relax, including the small muscle at the entrance to the stomach called the cardiac sphincter. The sphincter then opens abnormally, allowing acidic stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation or digestive discomfort that can even provoke nausea in some women.
Reflux during pregnancy can also be attributed to slower gastrointestinal transit, resulting in slower digestion and less efficient stomach emptying.
Reflux can also cause vomiting in pregnant women.
Nutrition
The first step is to adapt the diet:
- reducing consumption of acidic foods :
- acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, citrus fruit, soft drinks, etc.)
- fats
- caffeine, chocolate and theine
- eating protein at every meal
- eating more often, but less at a time (regular meals and repeated snacks)
- avoiding drinking large quantities of liquid with meals or before bedtime
If we can reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, we can also reduce irritation of the esophagus and reflux.
Reducing physical activity after eating and reducing stress can also help to limit reflux.
For better digestion and sleep, eat in a seated position. You can also think about raising your trunk to sleep, by adding a pillow, for example.
Other methods to reduce reflux
Then, if there is no improvement, you can try :
- Osteopathy
- Acupuncture
- Some over-the-counter antacids, such as Maalox, Tums and Gaviscon, can be taken occasionally, one hour after meals (always check with your pharmacist before starting a new medication).
If you need to take several antacids a day and/or if they only provide partial relief, it’s best to consult your doctor about a prescription treatment better suited to your situation.
Marie Fortier
The baby specialist
Updated article : March 2025.
