Food for heartburn in pregnancy: practical guidance

Pregnancy-related hormone changes can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. This makes burning or sour fluid more likely, especially after a large meal or when lying down. Heartburn is common in pregnancy, but troublesome symptoms can still need review.

Symptoms may also occur with Acid Reflux, Gastritis, a Hiatus Hernia, or a Peptic Ulcer. Food adjustments can reduce episodes, but they cannot establish which condition is responsible.

Eat smaller portions more often, chew thoroughly, and avoid rushing meals. Notice whether spicy or fatty foods, citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, coffee, or fizzy drinks trigger your symptoms, then reduce only the items that affect you. Keep nourishing foods in your diet so that avoiding triggers does not reduce variety.

Remain upright after eating and avoid bending over straight away. If symptoms disturb sleep, ask your maternity clinician how to position yourself safely. Do not start antacids, herbal products, or Acid Reflux Medication without checking that the product is suitable in pregnancy and compatible with your other medicines.

Seek urgent help for severe chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, or black stools. Contact your maternity team or doctor for difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe persistent pain, or heartburn that is not improving with simple measures. Ask for review if symptoms are accompanied by other pregnancy concerns such as severe headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling.

Ask which foods and medicines are appropriate for your pregnancy, whether your symptoms need testing, and how long to try lifestyle measures. Bring the names of vitamins, supplements, and other medicines, because some products can interact or affect absorption.