Heartburn during pregnancy: home remedies

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the food pipe and stomach, allowing stomach contents to move upward. As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus can also put pressure on the stomach. The result may be a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or fluid coming back into the throat. Heartburn is a symptom, and it does not by itself identify a particular condition. Read more about [Heartburn](/symptoms/heartburn/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/).

Eat modest portions more often rather than having a heavy meal. Take your time while eating, and remain upright after food instead of lying down. Leave a gap between your evening meal and bedtime. Notice whether spicy, fatty, acidic or caffeinated foods worsen symptoms, then reduce only the triggers that affect you. Sleeping with your upper body raised may help night symptoms; side-sleeping should remain comfortable and pregnancy-appropriate. Avoid taking bicarbonate mixtures or herbal products for reflux without checking first. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether an [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) is suitable during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or clinician if symptoms are frequent, disturb sleep, make eating difficult, or continue despite these changes. Seek urgent help for severe or crushing chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing. New upper abdominal pain with severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling also needs prompt maternity assessment because it may not be simple heartburn.

Which foods or medicines could be worsening my symptoms? Is a pregnancy-compatible antacid or other treatment appropriate for me? Could my symptoms indicate another problem such as [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) or [Peptic Ulcer](/conditions/peptic-ulcer/)?