Acidity and gas during pregnancy

The result may be burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping, bloating or passing more wind. Symptoms can be uncomfortable without harming the pregnancy, but persistent pain, vomiting or other warning signs need assessment rather than being assumed to be indigestion.

Pregnancy hormones relax smooth muscle, which can slow movement through the digestive tract and make bloating more noticeable. They may also relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing stomach contents to rise. As the uterus expands, pressure within the abdomen can make reflux easier, particularly after a large meal or when lying flat. Constipation can add to the sensation of trapped gas.

Try smaller, more frequent meals and eat slowly. Stay upright after food, avoid eating close to bedtime, and raise your upper body when resting if night-time burning is a problem. Notice whether rich, spicy or acidic foods, fizzy drinks or caffeine worsen symptoms, without unnecessarily restricting a balanced diet. Gentle movement and adequate fluids can support bowel regularity. Before taking antacids, alginates, acid-reducing medicines or herbal remedies, check with your maternity clinician or pharmacist because some products are unsuitable in pregnancy or can interfere with other medicines.

Contact your maternity team promptly for severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, vomit containing blood, black stools, fever, inability to keep fluids down or reduced fetal movement once you normally feel movement. Seek urgent help for chest pain with breathlessness, faintness, sweating or discomfort spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw. New upper abdominal pain with a severe headache, visual changes or sudden swelling also requires urgent maternity assessment.

Ask which treatment is compatible with your stage of pregnancy and other medicines, how to separate an antacid from supplements, and whether constipation is contributing to bloating. Mention where the discomfort occurs, its relationship to meals, any vomiting or swallowing trouble, bowel changes and what you have already tried.