What is a common risk factor for aspiration during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, one of the significant physiological changes that occur is the reduction in the tone of the esophageal sphincter. This relaxation can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach contents are more likely to flow back up into the esophagus and potentially enter the airway, increasing the risk of aspiration. The hormone progesterone, which rises during pregnancy, contributes to this decreased sphincter tone, making it easier for food and liquid to regurgitate.

In contrast, although increased blood volume, elevated stress levels, and increased respiration rate are all relevant physiological adjustments during pregnancy, they do not have the same direct impact on increasing the risk of aspiration. The primary concern regarding aspiration relates to the anatomical and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the esophageal sphincter, establishing reduced tone as a key risk factor during pregnancy.