A stomach ulcer during pregnancy is an uncommon and unpleasant condition that causes a burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach. It could further lead to bouts of vomiting and nausea, which may compel you to visit your doctor. If you are concerned that you have the signs of a peptic or stomach ulcer, consult a doctor. This condition is treatable with specific antacids that are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Read on as we discuss the possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stomach/peptic ulcers.
Understanding Stomach Ulcers
A stomach ulcer occurs when the mucus lining of the intestine or stomach erodes. The erosion affects the stomach acids and damages the stomach walls (1). Apart from stomach ulcers, certain other disorders related to the digestive system are also common during pregnancy. The most common gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy are as follows (2): Nausea and vomiting are common pregnancy symptoms, and symptomatic GERD is common in expectant mothers. However, stomach ulcer disease occurs less frequently in pregnant women.
What Are The Causes Of Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy?
Stomach ulcers usually occur due to an imbalance in the digestive juices in the stomach, which protect the stomach lining. This imbalance can be caused by a bacterial infection due to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (3).
Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy
Here are some of the symptoms of stomach ulcers in pregnancy (3):
How Is Stomach Ulcer Diagnosed During Pregnancy?
Stomach ulcers are typically diagnosed with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy. In this procedure, a tube is inserted through the mouth to inspect the stomach. This is the preferred method for diagnosing stomach ulcers since it can also detect small ulcers (4).
How Is Stomach Ulcer Treated During Pregnancy?
If you are diagnosed with stomach ulcers during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe antacids, as they are considered safe during pregnancy. However, doctors do not prescribe antacids containing bicarbonate since they can cause fluid buildup (5). Rather, your doctor may prescribe antacids containing magnesium or aluminum in normal doses (6).
How Can Stomach Ulcer Be Prevented During Pregnancy?
1. Avoid certain foods
If you are experiencing stomach ulcer during pregnancy, avoid foods that aggravate the disorder, such as the following (7):
Fried foods Refined carbohydrates Citrus fruits Sodas
2. Medication
Avoid consuming NSAIDS regularly or in high doses as they can damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers (1).
3. Avoid Alcohol
Consuming alcohol is harmful to your growing baby. Further, if you have stomach ulcers, it is necessary to avoid alcohol consumption as it will further deteriorate your digestive system (3).
3. Quit smoking
Smoking is harmful to your lungs as well as for your developing fetus if you are pregnant. Also, if you are suffering from Peptic ulcer disease during pregnancy, then quit smoking or else it might lead to nasty complications and affect your unborn baby. Smoking is harmful to your lungs and your developing fetus. Also, if you have stomach ulcers, smoking may cause complications that may affect your unborn baby (3).
