First trimester indigestion: what to know

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, may feel like fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating. Early pregnancy hormones can slow digestion and relax the barrier between the stomach and oesophagus. Nausea, food changes, and eating quickly can add to the problem. Indigestion is a symptom rather than proof of a particular condition; it may occur with acid reflux or stomach irritation.

Choose smaller portions, eat slowly, and remain upright after meals. Limit foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms, such as rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated choices. Avoid going to bed immediately after eating and keep a simple note of meals and symptoms. Sip fluids through the day. Ask a pharmacist or maternity clinician before using antacids, acid-reducing medicines, or traditional remedies, because pregnancy suitability depends on the product and your other medicines.

Contact your clinician if indigestion is persistent, severe, repeatedly wakes you, or makes eating and drinking difficult. Seek urgent care for severe or localised abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomit containing blood, black stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, or trouble swallowing. Ongoing or unusual symptoms may need assessment for gallstones, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease.

Ask whether your symptoms sound like indigestion or reflux, which treatments fit your pregnancy, and whether a medicine or supplement could be aggravating them.