Acid Reflux and Stress During Pregnancy

Acid reflux and stress during pregnancy has been shown to have the potential to negatively affect a growing fetus. Even though being pregnant can be one of the most wonderful times in a woman's life. On the flip side, it can also be one of the most stressful.

This stress can be compounded if the pregnancy is accompanied by an illness or ailment such as acid reflux But it is important that pregnant women find a way to get relief from uncomfortable conditions like reflux.

Studies have shown that acid reflux and stress during pregnancy experienced by a pregnant woman may negatively affect your unborn baby as early as 17 weeks gestation, potentially causing harm to the brain and altering the normal course of development to the baby.

Although any kind of stress is certainly to be avoided if possible, an uncomfortable, even painful, condition like acid reflux ought to be treated as early as possible so as to ensure it doesn't cause any undue stress on the mother and, by extension, the fetus.

The way in which acid reflux and stress during pregnancy actually has an influence over the development of the fetus is not fully understood, research does indicate that high levels of stress, such as resulting from an illness or associated medical condition, could affect brain function and behavior later in your unborn child's life.

Research also indicates that maternal stress has the potential to result in a lower IQ for your children later in life. Pregnancy will, by its very nature, never truly be a stress-free time for a woman, but there are ways in which to reduce the amount of stress you experience.

These ways include:

• Treating your body’s acid reflux through prescription, natural remedies or over the counter medications.

• Identifying and reducing your body’s discomforts as soon as they appear.

• Promoting better sleep.

• Reducing stress

If you are not sleeping well, not eating properly, and feeling ill as a result of acid reflux, your baby will feel these effects.

To ensure that your baby does not suffer as a result of these conditions, be sure to take care of yourself during your pregnancy, and that includes seeking early and thorough treatment for your acid reflux.

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