What two factors typically cause acid reflux during pregnancy?

Answer

Hormonal changes and physical space constraints

Heartburn during pregnancy is generally attributed to a combination of two primary physical changes. First, hormonal fluctuations, specifically elevated levels of progesterone, cause the smooth muscles throughout the body to relax. This relaxation includes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally seals the passage between the esophagus and the stomach. When this valve relaxes improperly, stomach acid can move upward. Second, as the fetus develops, the growing uterus physically expands, applying upward mechanical pressure directly onto the stomach, forcing contents back into the esophagus. This combination of physiological muscle relaxation and mechanical crowding creates the conditions for reflux.

What two factors typically cause acid reflux during pregnancy?

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