Gastro-oesophageal Reflux During Pregnancy: Treat With Care
from Drugs & Therapy Perspectives
Can Occur at Any Time
Typically, gastro-oesophageal reflux in pregnancy is of new onset. For those patients with pre-existing gastro-oesophageal reflux, symptoms may continue or worsen during gestation.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux can occur at any time during pregnancy and symptoms usually resolve post partum.[1]
Symptoms Similar to the General PopulationSymptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux are no different during pregnancy than at any other time. The predominant symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation.[1] Other common complaints include indigestion, epigastric pain, waterbrash, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
Precipitating factors include eating before bedtime, ingestion of fatty or spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, mints or chocolates, and sometimes inadvertent use of drugs that decrease lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (e.g. calcium antagonists, anticholinergics). Complications (e.g. oesophagitis) are rare in pregnancy.
Hormones Play a RoleAlthough the exact mechanism is unknown, the pathophysiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux in pregnancy is probably multifactorial including hormonal effects on lower oesophageal sphincter function, and mechanical factors.[1]