Acid reflux is a common health condition, where acidic content in the stomach backs up in the esophagus, causing irritation and burning sensation in throat. Usually acid reflux symptoms in men and women are same. But during pregnancy, women experience typical symptoms of acid reflux. Read on to know more on acid reflux symptoms in women…
Acid Reflux.
Acid reflux also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common minor health problem, faced by many people. This is caused due to improper working of a valve like opening, called lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a circular muscle band. This sphincter connects the esophagus and the stomach. Stomach contains cells that secrete acid to digest the food. Stomach has a protective coating of mucus cells to protect the stomach lining from these acids. Esophagus however, has a very less protection from these acids as compared to stomach. In acid reflux, the acidic content that is formed in the stomach, for some reason refluxes back into esophagus. Esophagus has the ability to withstand this acid to some extent, however, sometimes it causes too much of irritation in the esophagus lining. Severity level of acid reflux is different for every person. Read more on causes of acid reflux. Some people show no symptoms while some show very severe acid reflux symptoms. Acid reflux can cause damage to esophagus lining and hence, it is necessary to treat it soon. Though there is no cure for acid reflux, the acid reflux symptoms can be reduced with medications and by avoiding certain types of food. Read more on acid reflux disease and GERD diet.
Acid Reflux in Women.
Generally, men and women develop similar symptoms of acid reflux disease. But pregnancy is one of the factors that causes acid reflux in women. During pregnancy, the size of the fetus grows gradually and thus, the expanding womb exerts pressure on the digestive organs. The pressure on the digestive organs in turn leads to pressure on LES. This pressure on LES lets the food present in stomach to reflux into esophagus and hence causes acid reflux. В Hence, this may also be a cause of acid reflux in women during pregnancy. Let us take a look at signs and symptoms of acid reflux in women.
Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women.
Pregnancy related symptoms of acid reflux, differ a bit from regular symptoms of acid reflux. Else the acid reflux symptoms are same in men and women. Some of the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux in women are discussed below.
Regurgitation: This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. In regurgitation, the acidic food backs up in the throat or even in mouth giving an experience of a “wet burp”. This can also produce a bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
Heartburn: One more symptom that women experience during pregnancy due to acid reflux is heart burn. Heartburn occurs when the acid in the stomach moves into esophagus after consuming something. Heartburn is experienced in chest, lower abdomen or throat. Sometimes the pain is very severe.
Nausea: Some women may experience nausea as an acid reflux symptom. Not all women experience this symptom. Generally women who do not suffer from heartburn experience nausea.
Sore Throat: When acid backs up in esophagus, it can reach the throat leading to sore throat. This causes discomfort and pain in the throat and also voice hoarseness.
Vomiting: Some women may experience vomiting as a symptom of acid reflux. Usually women who experience nausea, vomit due to acid reflux. However, sometimes even women who do not experience nausea, may vomit due to acid reflux.
Difficulty in Swallowing: Some women may experience difficulty in swallowing because of acid refluxing in the throat.
Each of the acid reflux symptoms in women can be treated with medications and natural remedies. The symptoms of acid reflux disappear after the child birth. Read more on natural treatment for acid reflux.
Hormones During Pregnancy.
Ever wondered as to what brings about the changes seen in pregnant women? Here’s a detailed look at the various acting hormones during pregnancy.
Every woman reaches a stage in her life when she wants to have babies and experience the joys of motherhood. However, there are various physical and physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy. These changes are brought about by female hormones during pregnancy, each of which play a specific role. The level of hormones change during pregnancy and each hormone has a specific function. Certain hormones after pregnancy eventually decrease in secretion till they are brought down to a normal level or eliminated.
Effects of Hormones During Pregnancy.
Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (b-HCG ): This is one of the main hormones during pregnancy. This is the hormone that is tested for in home pregnancy tests. Its production begins approximately a week after impregnation. As soon as implantation occurs, the secretion of b-HCG starts. This hormone encourages the corpus luteum (which is commonly called ‘yellow body’) to produce estrogen and progesterone, other vital hormones during pregnancy. This is till the formation of the placenta, which then takes over this function. Once this occurs, the levels of b-HCG drops dramatically in the second trimester. Also, b-HCG is responsible for stimulation of the gonad development in the fetus. In certain abnormal cases like testicular cancer, increased levels of this hormone can be found.
Lutenizing Hormone (LH): Lutenizing hormone is present in both males and females. Lutenizing hormone is released from the pituitary gland and its secretion is initiated by the surge in levels of estrogen, by the positive feedback effect. However, in females, it is one of the main hormones that triggers off the ovulation process, that is release of the egg from the ovary. It also converts the residual follicle into corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. LH hormone maintains the functioning of the corpus luteum for the first two weeks, ensuring smooth and continuous production of estrogen and progesterone. Its action is regulated by the b-HCG. It’s one of the main acting hormones during pregnancy.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone: This hormone acts synergistically with lutinizing hormone and is one of the main hormones during early pregnancy. This is initially secreted and it helps in maturing the follicle to produce the egg. Also, the residual follicle maturation to corpus luteum is assisted by this hormone.
Progesterone: Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum. It is the main hormone during pregnancy that readies the uterus for implantation. It increases the blood supply of the endometrium (uterine wall) and it stimulates the glands present in the endometrial wall to secrete uterine fluid, which nourishes the embryo. As long as progesterone levels are high, menstruation does not occur, and hence it is this hormone during pregnancy that prevents menstruation and prevents any further eggs from being released. It also maintains the functioning of the placenta and protects the fetus. This hormone stimulates the growth of the mammary gland, while preventing lactation until birth. It also makes the pelvic wall stronger for labor and prevents the uterus from contracting until the baby is fully developed. Progesterone shows a dramatic drop in its level after pregnancy.
Estrogen: Estrogen is the hormone secreted by the corpus luteum, until the placenta takes over. It creates the glands that are present in the endometrium, which secretes the uterine fluid. Its levels increase steadily until birth. Estrogen also regulates the secretion of progesterone, along with other hormones. Estrogen plays an important role in development of the fetus, with various organs and systems in the fetus being triggered into development by estrogen. It also regulates the bone density in the fetus. It is the reason behind the ‘glow’ which is seen in pregnancy.
Other Hormones: Other hormones during pregnancy include human placental lactogen, relaxin, erythropoietin, cortisol, oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin is the hormone that contracts the uterus during childbirth and stretches the cervix. It also stimulates the nipples. Lactogen is one of the acting hormones after pregnancy, as it is involved in the production of milk. Even progesterone is one of the main hormones after pregnancy. Calcitonin is a hormone that prevents decalcification of the bones.
See Also
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