Stomach acidity during pregnancy

Stomach acidity occurs during pregnancy as a result of relaxation of the esophageal valve at the top of the stomach, which is relaxed by hormones released during pregnancy and therefore sometimes does not close properly, causing stomach discomfort or reflux of stomach contents back into the mouth.

Stomach acidity during pregnancy usually begins in the first trimester and can last throughout pregnancy. It is generally not a cause for concern unless the acidity is disrupting your daily activities despite using recommended treatments.

Below are some common treatments recommended by doctors to relieve stomach acidity during pregnancy.

• Consume probiotic-rich yogurt, especially yogurt containing active lactobacillus.
• Bananas, melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts are considered alkaline foods. Alkaline foods help neutralize stomach acidity that causes stomach acidity during pregnancy.
• The use of ginger during pregnancy is controversial. It is true that ginger can help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and may also reduce mild acidity. However, studies have shown that taking ginger during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. Read the complete study here.
• Over-the-counter antacids. There are several types of over-the-counter antacids available to consumers. Let's take a closer look at this class of non-prescription medications. Popular over-the-counter H2 blockers such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac are NOT antacids. They work differently by targeting the cells lining the stomach. The same is true for over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec and Prevacid – they are NOT antacids either.
   

Liquid antacids like Melox are composed of magnesium and aluminum hydroxide, as well as simethicone. Their target is the acid in the stomach, and they simply neutralize stomach acid without directly targeting cells within the body. The simethicone ingredient targets gas bubbles in the stomach to relieve gas. For more information on the mechanism of action, click here.

You should always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. However, since liquid antacids simply target excess acid that is already in the stomach and do not directly target human cells, their action is relatively benign within the body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends antacids as the first-line treatment for stomach acidity during pregnancy. Click here to see the full clinical study.

It is very difficult to prevent stomach acidity during pregnancy because the level of certain hormones is elevated during pregnancy, which causes the esophageal sphincter that controls the entry and exit of the stomach to not function efficiently and not close completely when it is supposed to be closed.

There are some things you can do to mitigate stomach acidity during pregnancy, and they include:

• Remaining upright after eating. Staying upright and avoiding positions where you are leaning backward for two to three hours after a heavy meal will minimize the risk of stomach acidity.
• Keeping pillows elevated while sleeping. Sleeping at a 45-degree angle allows your head to be higher than your stomach, making it more difficult for reflux to move up the esophagus.
• Stopping eating a few hours before bedtime. As suggested by the American Gastroenterological Association, avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime to reduce stomach acid and allow the stomach to partially empty its contents before sleeping.
• Avoiding fatty foods, chocolate, spicy foods, and garlic. These foods have a greater tendency to relax the esophageal sphincter of the stomach and prevent the sphincter from closing completely, which can ultimately lead to reflux and/or stomach acidity.