Posted by The Goal of my Steam Project was to visualize gasteroesophageal reflux disease in a variety of situations. Have you ever wondered why pregnant women are prone to this disorder? Here is your chance to find out! You may compare a normally functioning stomach with one that has a malfunctioning part, and then you may also see why pregnant women are at a higher risk for this problem. Can you find what causes GERD? Attatched is my hand drawn personal representation of GERD in many scenarios. (It is easier to pinch and zoom on a trackpad, or use ctrl and your mousewheel to zoom in to see this photograoh in clearer detail)
LINK TO MY ESSAY (MUST USE UA ACCOUNT TO SEE):Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease and Pregnancy Steam Project Final Draft.docx
The objective for this paper is from the digestive system. It covers the functions of the stomach and how they relate to the rest of the digestive organs. The subject of the project is specifically about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. This disease is very common among digestive disorders in the United States. Around 1 in every 5 Americans suffers from it. There are three types of the disease, non-erosive reflux, erosive esophagitis, and Barett Esophagus. Gerd develops when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens. This muscle surrounds the entrance at the top of the stomach that is opened to let food pass through and is otherwise closed. When the muscle malfunctions, stomach acid can flow up into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation. There are many side effects from the stomach acid, it damages tissues in the esophagus, ulcers, inflammation, even tooth erosion and trouble swallowing. People are diagnosed based on symptoms, there is no testing done to determine if one has the disorder.
The essay also explains GERD in pregnant women. Up to 80% of women experience symptoms during pregnancy. With a baby pushing up and the weakened muscle band having a hard time staying closed, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience a lot of acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter loses strength from hormonal changes that a woman’s body goes through. The sphincter is a smooth muscle and is affected by the changes in progesterone. There are not many safe cures for pregnant women, they’re usually given antacids like tums or changes in diet.
The conclusion stated that most people with GERD are or have been pregnant, and more women than men develop this disorder in their life. There are some cures but not many safe ones have been developed for a woman and her baby while pregnant.