Heartburn and reflux in pregnancy

Reflux happens when stomach contents move back into the oesophagus, the tube carrying food to the stomach. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve that normally limits this movement, and the enlarging womb can put more pressure on the stomach. You may notice burning in the chest, sour fluid in the mouth, belching, or symptoms that are worse after meals or when lying down.

These symptoms can be part of ordinary pregnancy-related reflux, but they are not a diagnosis on their own. Conditions such as gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or a hiatus hernia can also cause upper digestive symptoms. Keep a note of timing, food triggers, and whether symptoms improve when upright.

Choose smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating rather than bending or lying down straight away. Limit foods and drinks that clearly trigger your symptoms, and avoid tight waistbands. If night reflux is a problem, ask a clinician how to raise the head of your sleeping position safely. Drinking smaller amounts more often may feel easier than taking a large drink with a meal.

Ask a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor about an antacid or other Acid Reflux Medication before using it. Tell them about iron, folic acid, and any other medicines or supplements, because some products need careful timing. Avoid borrowing someone else’s prescription.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team if reflux is persistent, severe, affects sleep, or prevents normal eating and drinking. Get urgent help for chest pain that is severe or ongoing, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or food sticking when you swallow. New chest symptoms should be assessed rather than attributed automatically to reflux.

Ask which reflux treatments fit your stage of pregnancy, how to take them around supplements, and what symptoms would warrant review. Share whether burning is linked to meals, whether fluid reaches your throat, and whether you have pain or difficulty swallowing.