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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and management in advanced pregnancy: a prospective survey
Sara Fill Malfertheiner1, Maximilian Valentin Malfertheiner, Klaus Mönkemüller
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Strasse 35, DE-39108 Magdeburg, Germany. sara.fill-malfertheiner@med.ovgu.de
Background:
Heartburn is known to be common during pregnancy, however validated data on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are missing. The aim of this survey was to study the prevalence of GERD, the frequency and severity of typical GERD symptoms, and their impact on quality of life and therapeutic management in advanced pregnancy.
Methods:
One hundred and thirty-five consecutive pregnant women in the third trimester were included in a prospective study using validated questionnaires: RDQ, QOLRAD and a self-administered questionnaire detailing sociodemographic factors.
Results:
The prevalence for GERD in this unselected population was 56.3%. Among symptoms regurgitation was the most frequent with 47.3%, whereas heartburn was graded as the most severe symptom. The impact of GERD on the QOL of the pregnant women was significant (p < 0.001). 22.9% of the GERD population required medication because of severe symptoms, often reported to be insufficient for symptoms relief.
Conclusion:
GERD is common in late pregnancy with an important negative impact on the QOL. GERD in advanced pregnancy deserves more attention and better therapeutic management.
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