Heartburn at night while pregnant

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the food pipe and stomach, allowing stomach contents to move upward. As the uterus grows, pressure on the stomach may add to this effect. Symptoms can include a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping, or discomfort after reclining. Nighttime symptoms may feel stronger because gravity no longer helps keep stomach contents down. This pattern does not by itself show that a serious condition is present. Persistent symptoms can also occur with acid reflux or, less commonly, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and leave a period of time between your evening meal and lying down. Notice whether rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms, then reduce those triggers if needed. Rest with your upper body raised rather than lying completely flat. Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen and keep water nearby for comfort. Do not start an over-the-counter remedy, herbal product, or acid reflux medication without checking that it is suitable during pregnancy; a clinician or pharmacist can guide the choice.

Contact your maternity team or clinician if symptoms are frequent, worsening, disturbing sleep despite these measures, or making it difficult to eat or drink. Seek urgent medical help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, or repeated vomiting. These symptoms need assessment rather than being assumed to be ordinary pregnancy heartburn.

Ask which medicines are appropriate at your stage of pregnancy, whether another condition should be considered, and what symptoms should prompt same-day contact with your maternity service.