Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Atypical symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux during pregnancy
E Rey1, F Rodríguez-Artalejo, M A Herraiz
1Division of Digestive Diseases, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain. rey.enrique.spain@gmail.com
Background:
Pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of heartburn. However, there is no information for other symptoms related to gastro-esophageal reflux (GOR).
Aim:
to assess the prevalence of atypical symptoms of GOR during pregnancy, and to examine its association with typical GOR symptoms.
Methods:
we report data for 263 women with a pregnancy of less than 12 weeks. They were interviewed at the end of each trimester of pregnancy and at 1-year post-partum, using the Gastro Esophageal Reflux Questionnaire (GERQ). In the first interview, information about symptoms in the year before pregnancy was also collected with GERQ.
Results:
women suffered atypical GOR symptoms during pregnancy more frequently than in the year before: non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) (9.1 vs. 1.9%), dysphagia (12.6 vs. 2.3%), globus (33.1 vs. 4.6%), cough (26.6 vs. 6.8%), belching (66.2 vs. 19.4%) and hiccups (19.0 vs. 8.4%). Atypical GOR symptoms in pregnancy showed an association with suffering the same symptom before pregnancy and NCCP, globus, belching and hiccups with suffering typical GOR symptoms in the first trimester.
Conclusions:
Atypical GOR symptoms are highly prevalent in pregnancy, and are associated with atypical symptoms before pregnancy and with typical symptoms of GOR in the first trimester.
Related Concept Videos
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Pyloric Obstruction
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...

