Acid reflux in late pregnancy

Meal changes and positioning often help, and a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor can recommend a pregnancy-suitable medicine when symptoms remain troublesome.

Pregnancy hormones relax the ring of muscle between the stomach and oesophagus. As the uterus expands, pressure around the stomach also changes, so acidic contents can move upward after eating or when lying down.

Typical reflux causes burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping, or regurgitation. Pregnancy can also cause symptoms that overlap with other conditions, so new chest pain, significant abdominal pain, or feeling seriously unwell should not automatically be labelled heartburn.

Eat smaller meals, sit upright during and after food, and leave time between the evening meal and lying down. Reduce only the foods and drinks that clearly trigger your symptoms rather than cutting out broad food groups needed for a balanced pregnancy diet.

At night, raise your head and shoulders or lie on your left side if comfortable. Tell a pharmacist that you are pregnant before buying an antacid or alginate because some formulations are unsuitable. Antacids can interfere with iron and folic acid absorption, so follow professional advice about separating doses.

If these measures do not control symptoms, a clinician can consider an acid-suppressing medicine with pregnancy-specific guidance. Continue prescribed medicines unless the responsible clinician advises a change.

Speak with your midwife or doctor if reflux prevents eating or sleeping, keeps returning despite treatment, or comes with difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, weight loss, ongoing cough, or pain or swelling in the abdomen.

Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, blood in vomit, black stools, severe headache with visual changes, strong upper abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, reduced baby movement, or any sudden symptom your maternity team has told you to treat as urgent.

Ask which reflux product is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to time it around iron or folic acid, and what to do if night symptoms continue. Mention all medicines, supplements, kidney problems, blood-pressure concerns, and any warning symptoms.