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Dyspepsia - pregnancy-associated - Management
When should I refer a pregnant woman with dyspepsia?

  • Refer urgently to a gastroenterologist if there are alarm features, such as: chronic gastrointestinal bleeding; progressive unintentional weight loss; progressive difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia); or persistent vomiting.
  • Refer non-urgently to a gastroenterologist if:
    • Symptoms do not adequately respond to antacids, alginates, ranitidine, or omeprazole.
    • The woman is unable to eat sufficiently because of symptoms.
    • The diagnosis is in doubt (e.g. biliary colic).
    • There is a previous history of peptic ulcer disease; Barrett's oesophagus; or known dysplasia, atrophic gastritis, or intestinal metaplasia; and symptoms are inadequately controlled on usual medication.
  • Refer to an obstetrician if symptoms suggest a pregnancy-related disorder other than dyspepsia (e.g. HELLP syndrome, pre-eclampsia).

In depth

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