Heartburn and sickness in pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can slow digestion and relax the valve above the stomach. This can contribute to nausea, vomiting, and reflux, while the growing womb may increase pressure after meals. Heartburn may feel like burning in the chest or a sour taste; sickness may involve nausea, retching, or vomiting. One symptom does not explain every episode.

Persistent upper-abdominal pain, marked tenderness, or symptoms that are unusual for you can have causes other than pregnancy-related reflux, including gastritis or a peptic ulcer. A clinician can also consider a hiatus hernia when reflux keeps returning.

Try small, frequent meals and bland foods that you tolerate. Keep a drink nearby and take frequent small sips; cold fluids or ice chips may be easier during nausea. Avoid lying flat soon after eating, remain upright, and reduce personal triggers such as rich or spicy foods. Rest, but keep your upper body raised if lying down worsens burning.

Ask your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist about treatment for nausea and Acid Reflux Medication before taking anything. Tell them about all supplements and medicines. Do not take a product simply because it helped someone else during pregnancy.

Seek prompt advice if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, feel dizzy or faint, are losing weight, or have vomiting that is worsening. Get urgent help for blood in vomit, black stools, severe abdominal pain, severe chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing. These signs need assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Ask which anti-sickness and reflux treatments are suitable, how to take them with supplements, and what hydration signs to watch. Explain how often you vomit, whether food or fluids stay down, and whether burning occurs before or after sickness.