Reflux in Pregnancy

Case Study: Dietary Management of Reflux in Pregnancy

Client Background

Julia, 32 years old and 29 weeks pregnant, came to Alchemy In Motion, Noosa clinic seeking dietitian advice from a prenatal dietitian for persistent reflux symptoms, primarily heartburn and regurgitation which were disrupting her sleep and her wellbeing.
Having no significant medical history or regular medications other than a prenatal multivitamin supplement, her focus was to find a natural solution to managing reflux symptoms.

Reflux and Pregnancy

Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) affects up to 30-50% of expecting mothers and symptoms can impede upon enjoyment during pregnancy.
Reflux occurs in pregnancy due to both mechanical and hormonal changes. Hormonal changes decrease the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. The growing uterus causes mechanical changes; the stomach is pushed upwards leading to increased intra-gastric pressure.
The first line of treatment is diet and lifestyle modification before medication prescription is considered. Even when medication is introduced, nutritional strategies remain key to symptom control.

Dietitian Assessment and Intervention

Julia came to see me at our Noosa clinic. She described a constant heartburn- worst overnight, causing sleep disruptions with frequent waking due to episodes of regurgitation and the occasional acid taste in her mouth.
Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach tailored to Julia’s unique nutrition needs for her current stage of pregnancy, I conducted a thorough assessment of her dietary intake, dietary habits and lifestyle factors.
While she was eating good quality nutritious foods and was very conscious of her food choices, her meal timing and structure was contributing to her symptoms.
Julia had some knowledge of common diet triggers for reflux and was already avoiding the less healthy options. I explained that some common dietary triggers can be highly individualised as to whether they cause a negative effect. Nutrition is vitally important through pregnancy so it’s important not to restrict any healthy foods unnecessarily. Together we identified her individual dietary triggers.
I developed a personalised dietary plan aimed at meeting nutrition needs and managing uncomfortable reflux symptoms. The plan emphasised eating small frequent meals instead of larger portions, earlier evening meals, strategic timing and of individual triggers, and bedhead elevation strategies to reduce overnight symptoms.

Outcomes and Follow up:

Julia returned for a follow up consultation two weeks later reporting significant reduction in heartburn frequency and severity. She was having significantly less interruptions to her sleep and no longer woke in the night with regurgitation and acid taste, resulting in overall improved sleep and daily functioning.
With tailored diet and lifestyle advice from a prenatal dietitian Julia was able to find a natural solution through nutrition intervention.
Due to Julia’s positive outcome from seeking dietitian consultation and commitment to optimising her nutrition into postpartum, she continues to schedule regular review appointments.