Peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy.

In general, peptic ulcer disease during pregnancy is relatively rare. Certainly, gastroesophageal reflux symptomatology and hyperemesis gravidarum are the primary pregnancy-associated upper gastrointestinal tract illnesses. The symptoms of dyspepsia accompanies all three diagnoses and makes it difficult to determine whether peptic ulcer is playing a role in the patient's symptomatology. Patients with a previous history of complicated peptic ulcer diatheses should be suspected of having recurrent ulcer disease and treated accordingly. Endoscopy is not to be feared if needed to confirm a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease or to aid in the diagnosis of the patient with upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage. There is thought to be some improvement in peptic ulcer disease with pregnancy, which may be secondary to lower gastric acid output and increased protective mucus production associated with elevated progesterone levels. This may afford some level of protection against this disease process in pregnant women. Patients who are smokers and have a previous history of peptic ulcer disease are at highest risk for ulcer disease during pregnancy. Multiple agents have been found to be relatively safe and effective for ulcer healing, with H2 antagonists the mainstay of therapy during pregnancy.