Foods that trigger heartburn in pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest or throat caused when stomach contents travel upwards. Pregnancy hormones may relax the valve that normally limits this movement, while pressure from the growing uterus can add to reflux.

Notice whether symptoms follow large meals, late eating, chilli, fried food, citrus, tomato, chocolate, coffee, or carbonated drinks. Recording the food, portion, timing, and symptom can help identify your own pattern without unnecessary restrictions.

Eat smaller portions, chew well, and remain upright after meals. Leave a gap before bedtime and consider raising your upper body when sleeping. Replace only foods that repeatedly cause symptoms, and continue eating enough protein, fibre, and pregnancy-safe fluids.

Before using an antacid or other reflux treatment, check with a maternity clinician or pharmacist. Some medicines are not suitable for everyone, and antacids may need to be separated from iron supplements.

Contact your maternity team if reflux is frequent, severe, affects sleep, or makes it hard to eat or drink. Get urgent help for chest pain or pressure, breathing difficulty, blood in vomit, black stools, or severe abdominal pain.

Upper abdominal pain alongside headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell needs prompt assessment for conditions such as pre-eclampsia.

Ask how to keep your meals nutritious while avoiding triggers, whether a medicine is suitable for you, and which symptoms should prompt same-day assessment.