Heartburn at 11 weeks pregnant

A burning feeling behind the breastbone, sour taste or fluid rising into the throat may follow meals or worsen when lying down. Simple changes often reduce symptoms, while medicines should be checked for suitability in pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormones can slow digestion and make the muscular valve at the top of the stomach less tight. Stomach contents may then move upward and irritate the oesophagus. This acid reflux can happen early in pregnancy and does not depend on having a large bump.

Heartburn is typically related to eating or position. Pain that is severe, persistent, focused in the upper abdomen, or accompanied by breathlessness, faintness or bleeding needs assessment rather than being assumed to be reflux.

Try smaller meals spaced through the day and remain upright after eating. Notice whether fatty, spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, chocolate or mint trigger symptoms for you; triggers vary, so broad dietary restriction is unnecessary. Avoid eating close to bedtime and wear clothing that does not press tightly on the abdomen.

If these measures are insufficient, speak with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor about an antacid, alginate or other reflux medicine suitable for pregnancy. Mention prenatal vitamins and every medicine or supplement you use because timing and ingredients can affect which option is appropriate.

Seek urgent care for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, vomiting blood, black stools, or severe abdominal pain. These features should not be managed as routine heartburn.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team soon if swallowing is painful or difficult, vomiting prevents fluids staying down, symptoms repeatedly wake you, or heartburn continues despite self-care. Assessment can distinguish reflux from other digestive or chest conditions and guide pregnancy-compatible treatment.

Describe where the discomfort starts, its connection with meals or lying down, any trouble swallowing, and what you have tried. Ask which medicine is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, how to separate it from prenatal supplements if needed, and what change in symptoms should prompt reassessment.