Acid reflux during pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, while the growing uterus can add pressure to the stomach. This may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping, or food and fluid rising into the throat.

Reflux happens when stomach contents travel upward into the oesophagus. Symptoms may be more noticeable after a large meal, when bending, or when lying down. They can begin at any stage of pregnancy and may become more troublesome as abdominal pressure increases.

Heartburn describes the burning sensation caused by reflux; it does not necessarily indicate a heart problem. However, unfamiliar chest discomfort should not automatically be attributed to indigestion.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and notice whether particular foods trigger symptoms. Avoid lying flat soon after eating. At night, raise your upper body with a wedge or an appropriately elevated bed head; extra pillows alone may bend the waist and increase pressure on the stomach.

Wear clothing that does not press tightly across the abdomen. Before taking an antacid, alginate, acid-suppressing medicine, herbal product, or supplement, check with your maternity clinician or pharmacist because suitability and spacing from prenatal medicines can differ.

Arrange a clinical review if reflux is frequent, interrupts sleep, makes eating difficult, or continues despite practical changes. Get urgent help for severe or crushing chest pain, trouble breathing, faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing.

During pregnancy, promptly contact your maternity team for severe upper abdominal pain, a severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, persistent vomiting, or concern about your baby's movements. These symptoms need assessment rather than treatment as ordinary reflux.

Ask which reflux treatment fits your stage of pregnancy, how to separate it from iron or other prenatal medicines, and what symptom pattern should prompt follow-up. Bring a list of everything you take, including non-prescription and herbal products.