Foods to help with heartburn while pregnant

Pregnancy hormones can loosen the valve that normally keeps stomach contents down. Pressure from the growing uterus may then make reflux easier, particularly after a large meal or when lying down. Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone and can overlap with acid reflux, but chest symptoms should never be dismissed automatically.

Try oats, rice, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, yoghurt if tolerated, and lean protein cooked without heavy sauces. Eat slowly, avoid very large meals, and note whether spicy, fried, fatty, citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, coffee, or fizzy drinks worsen symptoms. Stay upright after eating and avoid a meal close to bedtime. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before using an antacid or acid reflux medication, because pregnancy changes which products are suitable.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are frequent, affect sleep or eating, or continue despite changes. Get urgent help for severe chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. Persistent symptoms may need evaluation for gastritis, an ulcer, or another cause.

Which heartburn medicines are suitable for my pregnancy? Are my symptoms consistent with reflux, or should another cause be checked? How can I keep meals nutritious while avoiding my triggers?