Heartburn and pregnancy: what should you know?

Stomach contents can travel upwards into the food pipe, causing a burning feeling behind the breastbone, sour taste, belching, or discomfort after meals. Pregnancy-related heartburn is not the same as a heart problem, but chest pain should not be self-diagnosed. Reflux may be worse after a large meal, when lying down, or when bending over. Symptoms can occur without vomiting.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after food, and notice whether particular foods or drinks trigger symptoms. Raising the head of the bed may help at night. Before taking an antacid, acid-reflux medicine, herbal product, or supplement, ask your pregnancy clinician or pharmacist whether it is suitable for you and how it fits with other medicines. A clinician can discuss [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/).

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are frequent, severe, affect sleep or eating, or continue despite simple measures. Seek urgent help for crushing or persistent chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or trouble swallowing. Pregnancy-related symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so new or unusual chest discomfort deserves prompt assessment.

Ask which medicines are appropriate at your stage of pregnancy, whether your symptoms need assessment for [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/), and how to separate reflux from another cause of chest discomfort.