More than 60 million American adults experience GERD and heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn. Twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn, and more than 50 percent have occasional distress. Recent studies show that GERD in infants and children is more common than previously recognized and may produce recurrent vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems, or failure to thrive.

middot; Yes, you may find that you have an increase in leg cramps in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Get plenty of calcium (three glasses of milk or supplement) and potassium (bananas and oranges). Stretching your legs before going to bed may help relieve cramps.

middot; It is not uncommon to have yeast infections during pregnancy. If you develop a yeast infection, it is safe for you to use over-the-counter products, such as Monistat. However, if you are early in your pregnancy, before 12 weeks, use the cream externally only. After 12 weeks, it is safe to gently use the applicator internally.

Synonyms for heartburn are Acid Indigestion, Reflux, and Acid Reflux. In the U.S. nearly 60 million people suffer from heartburn once a month. 25 million Americans suffer from frequent heartburn. Heartburn is usually more common in older people and pregnant women. Heartburn is a medical condition with biological reasons. The lower esophagus sphincter (LES) does not work properly in some people. Therefore they are more prone to develop heartburn than others.

Probably. Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD) is directly related to being overweight (there are other causes of GERD). Once you start losing those pounds you should notice that the heartburn starts to disappear. Patients who undergo the Lap-band procedure may notice a drastic improvement in the heartburn because the band acts like a valve preventing the acid reflux.

Heartburn is a medical condition with biological reasons. Some people are more prone to develop heartburn than others, because they have a weak lower esophagus sphincter (LES). However, bad diet habits, overweight and smoking among other causes, can, over time, provoke heartburn that otherwise would have never occurred. In most cases occurrence of heartburn is food related.

Avoid “bad” food (alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, chocolate, fatty food and spices) When lying down elevate the level of your head by a few inches. Use 4 inch bricks to elevate the head of your bed. That can decrease the stomach pressure against the esophagus. Don’t use pillows: Elevating your head in bed with pillows has actually proven to increase the stomach pressure! In order not to aggravate heartburn avoid any kind of stress.

A molar pregnancy triggers the same first-trimester symptoms that a normal pregnancy does (a missed menstrual period, breast tenderness, fatigue, increased urination, morning sickness). It may be diagnosed during an early ultrasound test.

Depression is a serious illness that interferes with work, study, sleep, eating and enjoying oneself. It may appear once in a person’s life, but more often occurs several times. Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinatal depression. Depression after pregnancy is called postpartum depression or peripartum depression.

Diarrhea - If this occurs, increase your fluids to at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. Avoid milk or milk products until the diarrhea has resolved. Follow the BRATT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesause, Tea, or Toast. If you obtain no relief in 24 hours of the BRATT diet, Kaopectate or Immodium may be purchased without a prescription. If the diarrhea continues for more than 48 hours, please call the office. Constipation - The best way to combat constipation is through prevention.

Overall, the most common cause (80-85%) of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is Graves’ disease (see Graves’ Disease brochure) and occurs in 1 in 1500 pregnant patients. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be somewhat difficult, as 123I thyroid scanning is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the small amount of radioactivity, which can be concentrated by the baby’s thyroid. Consequently, diagnosis is based on a careful history, physical exam and laboratory testing.

Pregnancy gingivitis is most common. Here, the gums are usually red and swollen, bleed easily and become very sore or sensitive. There seems to be a direct correlation between the rise in the levels of progesterone and estrogen and the level of gingival inflammation. This increased gingival inflammation is usually first seen about the second month and reaches its maximum around the eighth month of pregnancy.

middot; Indigestion is frequently called heartburn. This does NOT mean that something is wrong with your heart. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the center of the chest and upper abdomen and seems to rise into your throat. It is frequently accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth and burping. It is caused by a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Heartburn is defined as a rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Nearly everyone has or will experience heartburn on occasion. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD.

In recent studies, patient's reflux problems have improved after LAP-BAND® System surgery. However, some patients may experience reflux during the early stages of their recovery. No, unlike most other forms of bariatric surgery, the LAP-BAND® System is not a malabsorptive procedure so your body's ability to metabolize vitamins and nutrients will not be affected.

Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an acid or bitter taste. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over also can result in heartburn.