Q: Will I be able to continue my GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) treatments during pregnancy?

A: When a pregnant woman has a history of GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, during pregnancy, the pregnancy can aggravate the condition, especially later in pregnancy.

Pregnant women often feel the effects of indigestion more often later in pregnancy when the stomach is pushed closer to the esophagus. When the pregnant woman has a history of GERD, the pregnancy can aggravate the condition, especially later in pregnancy.

There are many approved antacids and Histamine-2 Receptor Blockers that are used to treat GERD and considered safe during pregnancy.

GERD can be treated with lifestyle and dietary changes before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after pregnancy. An acid reflux diet can help to keep acid indigestion and the symptoms of GERD under control during pregnancy. The foods that should be avoided on the acid reflux diet include orange juice, lemons, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato, mashed potatoes, French fries, raw onion, ground beef, chicken nuggets, spicy chicken wings, sour cream, ice cream, cottage cheese, spaghetti sauce, coffee, butter, chocolate, doughnuts and regular potato chips.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are foods that are considered safe to eat while battling GERD during pregnancy. Apples, bananas, baked potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, peas, ground beef, steak, chicken breast, egg whites, egg substitutes, fish, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, soy cheese, jelly beans, licorice, and baked potato chips.

Even though fish is considered a safe food for minimizing the effects of GERD, pregnant women should avoid eating large amounts of certain fish due to the mercury content.