Heartburn during the sixth month of pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, hormonal changes can allow stomach contents to travel upward more easily. The growing uterus can also increase pressure around the stomach, especially after a meal or when you lie down. This can cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or discomfort rising toward the throat. Pregnancy-related heartburn is not proof of a problem with the baby. Acid reflux is a common explanation, while gastritis or a hiatus hernia can produce similar symptoms.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, remain upright after eating, and avoid lying down soon after food. Notice personal triggers such as spicy or fatty meals, acidic drinks, or late-night eating. Raise the head of your sleeping surface only if your maternity clinician agrees it is suitable. Before taking an antacid, acid reflux medication, herbal product, or over-the-counter remedy, check with your obstetric or maternity team; pregnancy changes which products are appropriate.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are severe, frequent, worsening, or preventing food, fluids, or sleep. Seek urgent care for chest pain with breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe upper-abdominal pain, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell. Those symptoms should not be assumed to be ordinary heartburn.

Ask which food changes are realistic for you, whether a medicine is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, and what symptoms should prompt a same-day call. Mention any history of reflux, ulcers, or medicines you already use.