Acid reflux in the third trimester of pregnancy

Stomach contents can move upward into the oesophagus, causing burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping or regurgitation. Symptoms may be stronger after a large meal, when bending, or while lying down. A cough or disturbed sleep can also accompany reflux. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but chest or upper-abdominal symptoms in pregnancy should not automatically be attributed to heartburn.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Notice whether rich, spicy or acidic foods make your own symptoms worse, and avoid eating close to bedtime. Raising the head and shoulders when resting may limit night-time backflow. Check with a pharmacist, obstetrician or GP before using an antacid or acid-reducing medicine, because pregnancy and other medicines affect which option is suitable. Avoid taking antacids at the same time as iron or folic-acid supplements unless a clinician has advised how to separate them.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if reflux is frequent, prevents eating or sleeping, causes repeated vomiting, or does not improve with practical measures. Seek urgent assessment for severe or persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, or severe upper-abdominal pain. During pregnancy, severe pain below the ribs with headache, vision changes or sudden swelling also needs prompt maternity assessment.

Ask which reflux medicine fits your stage of pregnancy, how to time it around prenatal supplements, and whether another cause needs checking. Mention exactly where discomfort occurs, whether swallowing is difficult, what triggers it and whether it wakes you.