title: Gastroesophageal reflux disease and management in advanced pregnancy: a prospective survey.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Strasse 35, DE-39108 Magdeburg, Germany. sara.fill-malfertheiner@med.ovgu.de
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fill Malfertheiner
authors.forename: Maximilian Valentin
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Malfertheiner
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mönkemüller
authors.forename: Friedrich-Wilhelm
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Röhl
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Malfertheiner
authors.forename: Serban-Dan
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Costa