Heartburn and Vomiting During the Third Trimester

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upward into the food pipe. Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle that normally keeps stomach contents down, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Reflux may bring a sour taste, burping, nausea, or fluid into the mouth. Vomiting can occur with reflux, although it may also have another cause, such as a stomach infection, medication effect, or a pregnancy complication.

The symptom pattern matters: occasional vomiting with manageable heartburn differs from repeated vomiting that prevents drinking or eating. Share when it happens, what it looks like, and whether you have pain, fever, headache, visual changes, swelling, or reduced fetal movement with your maternity clinician. More background is available in [Heartburn](/symptoms/heartburn/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/).

Try smaller meals more often, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Notice whether rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms, and avoid lying down soon after a meal. Sip fluids regularly; if vomiting has occurred, small frequent sips may be easier to keep down. Sleeping with your upper body raised can reduce night-time reflux. Do not start an over-the-counter remedy, herbal product, or acid-reflux medicine without checking that it is suitable during pregnancy. A clinician or pharmacist can guide the choice and timing.

Keep a brief symptom record with meals, vomiting episodes, fluids tolerated, and urine changes. This helps your clinician judge hydration and choose an appropriate plan. Learn more about [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/).

Contact your maternity team promptly if vomiting keeps returning, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing very little or dark urine, or you feel faint, unusually weak, or confused. Seek urgent help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe or persistent abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, or reduced fetal movement. These signs should not be explained away as ordinary heartburn. If symptoms are new, worsening, or interfering with food, fluids, sleep, or prescribed medicines, arrange a clinical review even without a red flag.

Ask: Could reflux explain this pattern, or should another cause be checked? Which pregnancy-suitable options can I use, and how should I take them? What symptoms mean I should call the maternity unit immediately? How can I protect hydration and nutrition if vomiting continues?