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Heartburn and reflux are common symptoms of pregnancy, symptoms that may be even more troubling in women who start pregnancy with a history of such problems. Several factors contribute to increasing heartburn during pregnancy, including the pressure of the growing uterus pushing against the stomach and intestines. As well, increasing levels of pregnancy hormones may cause the muscle holding the stomach closed - the sphincter between esophagus and stomach - to relax, allowing acid to wash backward and reflux more easily.
As symptoms become worse, pregnant women with heartburn may find that eating more frequent small meals or sleeping in a more upright position provides some relief. Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta are also often recommended and used. If these don't work, over-the-counter medications such as Zantac may be tried.
Protonix and other proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium, etc.) work by blocking the processes that cause acid to be made in the stomach. These are newer medications and, as a result, only limited information is available concerning their safety in human pregnancies. Available information does not suggest a specific pattern of problems, but because of limitations with the information, many patients and providers will choose to try other alternatives first. You will need to balance the risks and benefits of continuing to use Protonix with your obstetric provider.
Although pregnancy may worsen hernia and reflux symptoms, such problems should not affect the health of the pregnancy.
