What should you know about frequent heartburn during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle that normally helps keep stomach contents below the oesophagus. As the uterus grows, pressure in the abdomen can also make reflux more likely, especially after meals or when lying down. Heartburn may feel like burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste or fluid returning into the throat.

Pregnancy can overlap with other causes of upper abdominal symptoms, including acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia or peptic ulcer disease. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause, so mention a new, changing or unusually intense pattern.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, remain upright after eating and avoid lying down soon after food. Notice personal triggers such as rich meals, spicy foods, caffeine or acidic drinks. Sleep on your side if comfortable and ask your maternity team whether changing the bed position is appropriate.

Check every medicine, antacid or supplement with a pharmacist, obstetric clinician or doctor before using it. They can choose an option suitable for pregnancy and consider interactions with prenatal supplements. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting or severe upper abdominal pain. During pregnancy, a severe headache, visual change, sudden swelling or pain beneath the ribs also warrants urgent maternity advice. Arrange review when heartburn prevents eating or sleeping, causes swallowing difficulty or does not improve with recommended measures.

Which treatments are suitable with my stage of pregnancy and current supplements? Could another condition explain this pain? What symptoms should prompt maternity triage or emergency care?