What should you know about ease heartburn in pregnancy?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone or in the throat when stomach contents move upward. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. It may be worse after a large meal, when bending over, or when lying down. Heartburn itself is common in pregnancy, but chest discomfort should not automatically be assumed to be reflux.

Try smaller meals spread through the day and eat slowly. Notice whether rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms, then reduce the personal triggers rather than cutting out broad food groups. Stay upright after meals, avoid eating close to bedtime, and raise the upper body when resting. Wear comfortable clothing around the abdomen. Before taking an antacid, alginate, or other reflux medicine, check that it is suitable for pregnancy and how to separate it from supplements or other medicines.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are severe, persistent, affecting sleep or eating, or not responding to the measures you have tried. Get urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing. Severe upper abdominal pain, a severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling can signal a pregnancy complication and needs urgent assessment; these symptoms can occur with pre-eclampsia.

Ask which non-medicine measures fit your symptoms, which reflux medicines are suitable at your stage of pregnancy, and whether your symptoms need assessment for another cause.