Foods to help acid reflux in pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Heartburn or sour fluid may become more noticeable after meals, when bending, or when lying down. Acid reflux is a common explanation for these symptoms, but persistent discomfort can have other causes.

Try porridge, rice, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, melons, yoghurt if tolerated, and lean protein prepared without much fat. Eat slowly and keep portions modest. Limit foods that repeatedly trigger symptoms, such as spicy dishes, rich or fried meals, chocolate, mint, citrus, tomatoes, coffee, and fizzy drinks. Leave time between eating and bedtime, remain upright after meals, and raise your upper body for sleep if advised. Keep a simple food-and-symptom note to identify your pattern.

Contact your maternity team or clinician if reflux is frequent, interferes with sleep or eating, or does not improve with practical changes. Seek urgent help for severe or crushing chest tightness, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. A cough can occur with reflux, but a new or persistent cough deserves assessment.

Which foods should I avoid while keeping my pregnancy diet balanced? Could a medicine be suitable for my stage of pregnancy? Do my symptoms suggest another problem such as a hiatus hernia?