Find the cause of epigastric pain in pregnant women

Pain in the epigastric region in pregnant women occurs in the middle of the upper abdomen and just below the chest. The pain has many causes, from simple to complex.

It is very common to experience epigastric pain during pregnancy. This condition comes from an acid reflux or pressure on the abdomen caused by an enlarged uterus. The process of changing hormonal levels during pregnancy can also aggravate acid reflux and epigastric pain in pregnant women.

Severe or persistent epigastric pain during pregnancy can be a sign of some serious health problems. Please join aFamilyToday Health to learn about this situation in pregnant women through the following article.

Causes of epigastric pain in pregnant women

Some reasons why pregnant women have epigastric pain are:

1. Acid reflux

Reflux occurs when stomach acids or food are pushed back toward the esophagus. If this happens, pregnant women will feel pain in the chest, abdomen and throat. Over time, persistent acid reflux can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affecting the health and psychology of pregnant women. Common signs of acid reflux include:

Heartburn

Undigested

Cough is constant

Sore throat, hoarseness

It feels like the throat is having seeds

The mouth has an unusually sour, fishy smell.

Some measures to improve this include:

Limit coffee intake

Split the portion size of each meal

Suck on a slice of ginger or enjoy a cup of ginger tea

Pay attention to sleeping position during pregnancy , keep your head up a bit so that the acid won't have a chance to back up

Limit spicy, hot, greasy foods and foods high in acid (citrus fruits, tomatoes).

2. Heartburn, indigestion

Indigestion, heartburn during pregnancy often occurs when pregnant mothers absorb foods that are not too stomach friendly, making this organ difficult to digest. On the other hand, sometimes stomach acids can irritate the lining of the digestive system. Common signs of the above condition include:

Nausea

Full stomach

Distention.

The above manifestations often appear with epigastric pain in pregnant women. For relief, you can follow some suggestions below:

Drink a lot of water

Do not eat before bed

Busy clothes are spacious and airy

Stand or sit upright for a while after each meal

Limit foods that you think may cause indigestion.

3. Overeating

The stomach is a very flexible, elastic organ for the digestion of food. However, if you eat too much, it will cause your stomach to swell more than it can expand, causing indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn. In addition, pregnant mothers easily encounter overeating due to the psychology of eating for two or if you have  cravings during pregnancy .

4. Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance can be another cause of epigastric pain in pregnant women and its associated symptoms include:

Stomachache

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Undigested

Flatulence.

Milk and dairy products are major sources of several nutrients and minerals, especially calcium. Calcium is responsible for supporting the development of fetal bones and teeth. The restriction of these foods can affect the calcium supply to pregnant mothers and babies growing up in the womb. Therefore, you should consult and consult your doctor for suitable solutions for this problem.

Pregnant mothers should learn about calcium sources for lactose intolerant mothers  to add to the daily menu, such as:

Soy products

Whole grains

Nuts and beans

Broccoli

Dried fruit

Spinach

Molasses.

5. Esophagitis or gastritis

Esophagitis and gastritis are two conditions that arise from acid reflux, infections, immune system disorders, and irritation from certain medications. If left untreated, the lining of the esophagus or stomach may damage or even bleed. Other signs of infection include:

Shortness of breath

Nausea

The cough doesn't go away

Having trouble swallowing

Pain in the epigastric region.

6. Diaphragmatic hernia

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into the chest. In addition to epigastric pain, other common symptoms of a diaphragmatic hernia include:

Undigested

Burp loudly

Itching, burning pain in the throat

A burning sensation in the chest

This is usually only common in the elderly, but does not rule out any possible risk.

7. Gallbladder disorder

Problems with the gallbladder such as gallstones and cholecystitis can also cause epigastric pain during pregnancy. Symptoms include:

Severe pain near the top, right side of the stomach after eating

Burning in the chest and throat

Not good eating

Flatulence

Jaundice.

How to treat epigastric pain during pregnancy?

Treatment of epigastric pain in pregnant women depends on the cause. If the pain is caused by diet or overeating, your doctor may recommend changing this routine, such as:

Do exercises for pregnant women for about 30 minutes a day

Eat healthy foods that support your digestive system, including ginger, yogurt

Take in extra B vitamins to reduce nausea and vomiting. However, pregnant mothers consult with your doctor before using any dietary supplement to avoid unwanted side effects.

If your upper stomach pain is the result of taking certain medications, such as NSAIDs  (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) , your doctor may ask you to stop taking these medications and suggest other ways to manage them. pain as well as does not affect fetal health.

When should pregnant women with epigastric pain see a doctor?

Pregnant women should see a doctor if epigastric pain suddenly becomes severe, occurs with constant frequency as well as interferes with daily activities. In addition, some danger signs that should not be ignored include:

High fever

Shortness of breath

Fainting

Chest pain

Vomiting of blood

The stools are black in color

Blood appears in the stool.