Note: various other problems, associated with pregnancy and unrelated to pregnancy, are sometimes confused with indigestion. As soon as the baby is born, indigestion due to pregnancy usually disappears quickly. They may begin at any time during pregnancy but happen more often, or are more severe, in the last three months of pregnancy. Symptoms tend to occur in bouts which come and go, rather than being present all the time.
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Pain in the centre of the chest behind the breastbone (sternum).This is a sudden flow of sour-tasting saliva in your mouth. (It is a confusing term as it has nothing to do with the heart!)
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This is a burning sensation which rises from the upper tummy (abdomen) or lower chest up towards the neck. They can include one or more of the following: Symptoms can vary from mild (in most cases) to severe. What are the symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion in pregnancy? You are more likely to develop indigestion in pregnancy if you have previously had gastro-oesophageal reflux before you were pregnant. The indigestion usually settles on its own after the birth of your baby when your hormones change back to their non-pregnant state and the baby is no longer increasing pressure on your stomach. One or both of the above increase the chance that acid will reflux into the oesophagus. The size of the baby in the tummy (abdomen) causes an increased pressure on the stomach.That is, the tightness (tone) of the sphincter is reduced during pregnancy. The increased level of certain hormones that occurs has a relaxing effect on the sphincter muscle.It is thought that when you are pregnant: The sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus normally prevents acid reflux. 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. The lining of the oesophagus can cope with a certain amount of acid. What causes acid reflux during pregnancy?Īcid reflux occurs when some acid leaks up (refluxes) into the gullet (oesophagus). In effect, the sphincter acts like a valve. This relaxes to allow food down but normally tightens up and stops food and acid leaking back up (refluxing) into the oesophagus. There is a circular band of muscle (a sphincter) at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach. The cells lining the oesophagus are different and have little protection from acid. Stomach cells also make mucus which protects them from damage caused by the acid.
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Cells in the lining of the stomach make acid and other chemicals which help to digest food. When we eat, food passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach. Indigestion in pregnancy is usually due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus. Indigestion is really common in pregnancy - it occurs at some point in around half of all pregnant women. The upper gut includes the gullet (oesophagus), stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Indiestion (dyspepsia) is a term which includes a group of symptoms (detailed below) that come from a problem in your upper gut. A medicine which prevents your stomach from making acid may be prescribed if symptoms remain troublesome. Attention to diet and lifestyle may help to ease symptoms. This may cause heartburn - usually felt as a burning pain which rises from the upper stomach behind the breastbone - and other symptoms. Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus).
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Indigestion in pregnancy is commonly due to acid reflux.