A few bouts of acid reflux after an occasional heavy, spicy or acidic meal isn’t typically a hardship for your body to repair. However, regular acid reflux symptoms can cause uncomfortable problems. If you experience minor pain at least twice a week, or moderate to severe pain once a week, it’s worthwhile to find out if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD affects about 14% of American women, with many of them being pregnant. It feels like heartburn but is more severe and chronic. GERD can cause troublesome symptoms like chest pain, difficulty swallowing and wheezing, and can even cause more complications without treatment. Even milder cases can keep you awake at night and make it difficult to lie down comfortably.
If you struggle with chronic heartburn symptoms, you may have GERD. Keep reading to learn 5 symptoms of GERD in women, including pregnant women, remedies and best foods you can eat for GERD.
GERD Symptoms in Women
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in women can vary in severity and frequency. Common symptoms include:
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or distension in the abdomen
- Chest pain: A non-cardiac chest pain that may feel like a tightness or pressure
- Difficulty swallowing: A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest that may radiate up to the throat or back, occurring after eating, lying down or bending over
- Regurgitation: The feeling of food or liquid coming back up from the stomach into the mouth or throat
It’s also important to note that it’s common for women to experience more severe GERD symptoms than men, and symptoms may worsen during pregnancy and menopause.
Additional GERD symptoms may include:
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Sleep disturbances
- Sore throat
- Tooth decay (due to acid erosion)
- Vomiting (from regurgitation)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend talking to your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Acid Reflux Remedies for Pregnant Women
For acid reflux during pregnancy, start with lifestyle changes like eating small, frequent meals and avoiding triggers like spicy or fatty foods. If needed, consult a doctor about safe over-the-counter remedies such as calcium carbonate-containing antacids, H2 blockers like famotidine or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole. Always check with your health care provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Lifestyle Changes
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals: Chewing gum can help reduce acid reflux for up to 30 minutes.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This prevents your stomach from becoming too full and reduces the chance of reflux.
- Eat slowly and avoid eating right before bed: Give your stomach time to digest your food and avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after eating.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Use a wedge-shaped pillow to help keep stomach acid down at night.
- Identify and avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include spicy, fatty and acidic foods, as well as citrus, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water between meals: This can help prevent heartburn.
Best Foods to Eat for GERD
- Ginger: Ginger can help speed up digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Papaya or pineapple: The digestive enzymes in these fruits may help with symptoms.
- Raw almonds: Their lower acidity may provide relief.
- Yogurt or a glass of milk: These are rich in calcium and protein, which can help reduce heartburn risk.
Guiding Your GERD Treatment Journey
If you’re struggling with GERD, don’t feel like you have to continue living uncomfortably with your symptoms. Learn more about our whole-person approach and connect with us to discuss your GERD treatment options with our digestive care team.
