What Causes GERD?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body will be undergoing a number of changes in order to help nourish and protect the developing fetus. One of the changes includes a change in hormonal levels. In some pregnant women, the changes in hormonal levels can result in the esophageal sphincter relaxing. This can result in heart burn.
In addition, as the uterus expands as the fetus develops, it can begin to push up on the stomach, encouraging digestive juices to be forced through the sphincter. Medication is available that will help to relieve the symptoms, but pregnant women should always be careful about which medication they are using.
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