Acid reflux during pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the oesophagus and stomach, and the growing uterus can increase abdominal pressure. The result may be burning behind the breastbone, sour fluid in the throat, belching or discomfort after meals.

Symptoms may begin at any stage and can change as pregnancy progresses. They often become more noticeable after a large meal, with bending, or when lying flat. Reflux itself is different from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, although both can occur together.

Chest burning that follows food may fit reflux, but pregnancy does not make every chest or upper-abdominal symptom harmless. Location, severity, associated symptoms and blood-pressure concerns all affect how urgently you should be assessed.

Try smaller meals spread through the day, eat slowly, and stay upright after food. Limit only the items that consistently provoke symptoms, which may include fatty, spicy or acidic foods, chocolate, mint or caffeinated drinks. At night, raising the head and upper torso can reduce reflux while lying down.

Check any antacid, alginate, acid-reducing medicine or herbal product with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor before use. Some products are unsuitable in pregnancy or may interfere with other medicines and supplements. Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own.

Contact your maternity team promptly for severe or persistent pain high in the abdomen, a severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, feeling very unwell, or vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down. Seek assessment as well for painful swallowing, food sticking, blood in vomit or black stools.

Call emergency services for severe chest pressure, breathing difficulty, collapse, or pain spreading into the arm, jaw, neck or back. These symptoms need urgent evaluation even if you have previously experienced heartburn.

Ask which remedy is compatible with your stage of pregnancy and current supplements, how to time doses, and when persistent symptoms should be reviewed. Describe any vomiting, swallowing difficulty, night waking or upper-abdominal pain rather than using the word heartburn alone.