Heartburn during the last weeks of pregnancy

Heartburn feels like burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or fluid rising into the throat. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the food pipe and stomach. As the uterus enlarges, it can also reduce room for the stomach, especially after a large meal or when you lie down. This pattern is often pregnancy-related reflux, but persistent symptoms can also occur with conditions such as Acid Reflux or Gastritis. Heartburn itself does not identify the cause, so repeated or unfamiliar symptoms deserve assessment.

Try smaller meals spread through the day, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Limit foods and drinks that clearly trigger your symptoms, such as spicy or fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, or acidic drinks. Avoid eating close to bedtime and raise your upper body comfortably when resting. Wear loose clothing around your abdomen. Do not start an over-the-counter remedy, including an Acid Reflux Medication, without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy; your clinician or pharmacist can recommend an option and timing.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are frequent, interfere with sleep, or do not improve with simple measures. Seek urgent help for severe or crushing chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing. In late pregnancy, seek prompt maternity advice for severe upper-abdominal pain with headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell, because these symptoms need assessment rather than assuming reflux.

Ask which medicines are compatible with your pregnancy, whether your symptoms fit reflux, and what changes should prompt a same-day call. Mention the timing of meals, night symptoms, vomiting, swallowing difficulty, and any medicines or supplements you already use.