Heartburn when 23 weeks pregnant

The sensation can rise from the upper abdomen towards the throat and may come with burping, sour fluid in the mouth, or nausea. It is often linked to meals and body position rather than exertion.

Hormonal changes can loosen the muscular ring that normally limits backflow from the stomach. As pregnancy progresses, changing pressure within the abdomen can add to this effect. Acid reflux frequently presents with heartburn, although burning or pain in the chest should not automatically be attributed to digestion when it is intense or different from your familiar pattern.

Divide food into modest meals, avoid rushing, and keep a simple note of foods that precede symptoms. Sit upright while eating and afterwards. At night, support the upper body rather than adding pillows only beneath the head, which can bend the abdomen. Avoid tight waistbands if they increase pressure.

If these measures are not enough, ask a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor about a pregnancy-suitable option. Give them the names of supplements and prescribed or non-prescribed medicines because some products interact or need to be taken at separate times.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team if symptoms repeatedly disturb sleep, limit eating, persist after self-care, or occur with painful or difficult swallowing. Obtain urgent medical help for crushing, severe, or new chest pain; trouble breathing; collapse; bloody vomit; black bowel motions; or discomfort extending into the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back. Severe upper abdominal pain, a strong headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling during pregnancy also warrants prompt maternity assessment.

Describe the timing, location, taste changes, food triggers, and response to posture. You can ask which medicine fits your pregnancy and medical history, how to space it from vitamins or other tablets, and what change in symptoms should trigger another review.