What Causes Acid Reflux in Pregnancy?
As we know, there is a relationship between acid reflux and pregnancy. Acid reflux during pregnancy can be explained by the increase in the level of pregnancy hormones, estrogen and progesterone. High levels of these hormones are required to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus. However, along with uterine muscles, the hormone progesterone also relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. As a result, the LES fails to prevent the back flow of stomach acids to the esophagus. Progesterone also slows down the peristalsis or the wavelike contractions of the esophagus, as well as the intestine. All these factors can cause acid reflux in pregnancy. Acid reflux can worsen in the second and third trimester, as the growing baby occupies a larger part of the abdominal cavity and pushes the stomach acids back up towards the esophagus. Usually, early pregnancy acid reflux is less severe than acid reflux experienced during late p
