Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

[AnyDream]

I have personally found Gaviscon to work much better than Mylanta, because it forms a plug which helps keep everything in your tummy. Keep your meals small, and try to eat a couple of hours before bed.

Please don't fret about it lasting forever, it's one of those things that are far worse in PG. I've had it in the past but have recovered (changing a few lifestyle habits fixed it for me). Occasionally it recurs out of the blue but I can usually work out what has caused it and it settles down after a couple of days. HTH

[kristi14]

Hi,

YES!! I hear you.

I have severe GERD at the moment and i can only STRESS to you to try and manage it for the rest of your pregnancy.

Reflux started at 20 wks with me.

At 29 wks i went to bed fine and woke up early the next morning (about 7am) with heartburn and reflux. I was on Ranitidine (zantac) so couldnt understand why i had the burning. I took my morning med and it got worse. Out of nowhere i vomitted and it was bright red blood. I rang the hospital and was told to come straight in. I vomitted another 2 times, more blood but coffee ground coloured. I ended up in the high dependancy unit and needed a blood transfusion. I then spent 3 days on an IV medication and fluids. I wasnt allowed to eat for 4 days.

I was sent home on the same med i had to be given IV but in capsule form. Its called Omeprazole. I also have to be on a soft food diet and no acid food or drink at all.

A few weeks later i had to have my med increased and have realised i need to stay on soft, plain foods until i have my baby.

A week ago a dr lowered my med and a week after lowering it i was experiencing bad stomach pain. I had to get checked yesterday and they have doubled my dose again.

I dont want to scare you and i know all that is full on but i thought i should share my experience on what GERD can do during pregnancy. Its alot more than simple heartburn and reflux.

I have been eating soft foods like mashed veges, well cooked pasta etc.

Avoid things high in water content like soups and jelly and drinking water.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks like soft drink, tomatoes and tomato based foods, oranges, citrus fruits.
I have found chocolate to make my symptoms worse but choc milk is ok.
Drink lots of milk and eat lots of dairy, cream, custard, etc

I have a soft drink here and there but its very spaced out.

And yes, sleep propped up. I have 3 pillows and 2 small quilts folded to help me sleep.

I found researching GERD helped alot and what i could and couldnt eat.

I hope this helps. If you help it out now, hopefully you can stay on just the zantac.

I dont know if my GERD is going to resolve itself when i have my baby, i will get back to you and let you know.