Pain in the esophagus during pregnancy

A large proportion of all pregnant women suffer from pain in the esophagus during pregnancy. In addition to the already existing physical weakness during pregnancy, the pain appears to be particularly annoying. All typical causes of pain in the esophagus can be considered in pregnant women, but acid-related reflux disease is particularly likely during pregnancy.

The acid-related irritation and inflammation of the esophagus is caused by an interaction of hormonal and physical changes in the woman’s body. As pregnancy progresses, pregnant women experience increasing mechanical pressure on the abdominal organs. As the child grows, the uterus presses against some organs and thus also against the stomach and sometimes causes the gastric juice to flow back into the esophagus.

In particular, however, hormonal changes during pregnancy have an influence on reflux disease. In addition to some hormones, the hormone “progesterone” is also released in large quantities in pregnant women. It causes smooth muscles to relax in many parts of the body.

This includes the sphincter muscle at the transition from the esophagus to the stomach, which cannot be influenced arbitrarily. The stomach contents can more easily enter the esophagus and the stomach acid can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes.In addition, the hormonal changes slow down the entire digestion process, so that food remains in the stomach for a long time after eating. The longer the chyme remains in the stomach, the higher the probability of acid reflux.

Typical symptom of reflux is also here the burning pain behind the breastbone, which typically occurs a few minutes after drinking or eating. In pregnant women, nutrition is the most important therapeutic measure. Here it applies to avoid the typical risk factors such as nicotine, alcohol and Koffein, in addition, fat-containing or large meals.

Protein-rich food is particularly recommended. For reasons of gravity, you should refrain from lying too straight and lying down after a meal. Raising your head at night is gentler on the esophagus.

Medicinal treatments should be avoided during pregnancy if possible. Some drugs that interfere with the production of stomach acid or digestion are not without doubt harmless to the unborn child. Medications that bind gastric acid can be used without hesitation. Therapy for reflux disease should always be started early, before a severe inflammation with possible irreparable damage develops. After pregnancy, the symptoms usually subside.