Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Pregnancy

Heartburn and regurgitation are common in pregnancy, and managing GERD in this population calls for an approach tailored to the specific demands of this clinical setting. The goal is effective symptom relief while accounting for the pregnancy context.

Clinical Scenario

This protocol applies to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presenting during pregnancy. Approximately two-thirds of pregnant women experience heartburn, which can begin in any trimester.

First-Line Treatment Approach

Recommended management starts with lifestyle modifications. The full structured regimen — including the complete sequence of interventions, clinical decision points, and escalation criteria — is available in the protocol below.

Specific steps, thresholds, and sequencing are contained in the full protocol.

Clinical Goals

The primary therapeutic targets are relief of heartburn and regurgitation.

References

DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538

Approximately two-thirds of pregnant women experience heartburn, which can begin in any trimester.

It has been recommended that treatment of GERD during pregnancy should start with lifestyle modifications.

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