Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a common experience during pregnancy. In fact, up to 80% of pregnant women may experience heartburn at some point during their pregnancy. While heartburn can occur at any time of the day, it is often worse at night. This can be particularly troublesome for pregnant women who are already struggling to get a good night's sleep. In this article, we will explore the reasons why pregnancy reflux is worse at night and provide some tips on how to alleviate the symptoms.
What causes acid reflux during pregnancy?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. During pregnancy, acid reflux is more common due to the hormonal changes and physical changes that occur in the body. Specifically, the hormone progesterone, which can relax the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that controls the flow of food and stomach acid from the esophagus into the stomach. As a result, stomach acid can more easily flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
In addition to hormonal changes, the physical changes that occur during pregnancy can also contribute to acid reflux. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, pushing stomach acid up into the esophagus. This pressure can be particularly pronounced when lying down, which is why many pregnant women experience acid reflux at night.
Why is pregnancy reflux worse at night?
There are several reasons why acid reflux can be worse at night during pregnancy. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, when lying down, the pressure from the expanding uterus can increase, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. When lying down, gravity no longer works to keep stomach acid in the stomach. Instead, the acid can easily flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
Studies have shown that the stomach empties more slowly during pregnancy, which means that food and stomach acid remain in the stomach for longer periods of time. When lying down, the slower rate of stomach emptying means that there is more time for stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
How can pregnant women alleviate acid reflux at night?
There are several steps pregnant women can take to alleviate acid reflux at night. First, it is important to avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Instead, try to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This will help to keep the stomach from becoming too full and putting pressure on the LES.
Second, it is important to avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. By avoiding these foods, pregnant women can reduce the likelihood of experiencing heartburn at night.
Third, it is important to avoid lying down immediately after eating. Instead, wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. This will give the stomach enough time to empty, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
Fourth, it is important to elevate the head of the bed when sleeping. This can be done by sleeping on a wedge pillow or by propping up the head of the bed with blocks or books. Elevating the head of the bed can help to reduce the pressure on the LES, helping to reduce nighttime reflux.
Acid reflux is a common experience during pregnancy, and it can be particularly troublesome at night. The hormonal and physical changes that occur during pregnancy can all contribute to acid reflux. However, by following some simple steps like eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding trigger foods, waiting to lie down after eating, and elevating the head of the bed when sleeping, pregnant women can alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux at night. If symptoms persist or become severe, it is always advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.