What causes indigestion in pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the food pipe and stomach and slow movement through the digestive system. As the womb grows, pressure inside the abdomen can make reflux, fullness, burping, nausea or burning more noticeable, particularly after a large meal or when lying down. Acid reflux may therefore overlap with ordinary indigestion.

Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, gallstones or a hiatus hernia are other possible explanations and are not diagnosed from symptoms alone. Mention the stage of pregnancy, pain location, vomiting, bowel changes and all medicines or supplements to your maternity or primary-care team.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, stay upright after eating, and avoid personal triggers such as rich foods if they clearly worsen symptoms. Resting with the upper body raised may reduce reflux. Drink enough to stay hydrated, especially if nausea is present, and keep track of symptoms and meals.

Ask a pharmacist, midwife, obstetric clinician or GP before taking an indigestion remedy, including an over-the-counter product or supplement. Some treatments are suitable in pregnancy and others are not; the right choice depends on your pregnancy, other medicines and symptoms. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Contact your maternity team or seek urgent care for severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, vomiting blood, black stools, chest pressure, fainting, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or yellowing of the skin. Seek review for symptoms that persist, worsen or repeatedly disturb sleep.

Ask whether your pattern fits pregnancy-related reflux, whether a hiatus hernia, gastritis, ulcer, infection or gallstones needs consideration, and which acid reflux medication is appropriate with your pregnancy and current medicines.