Heartburn during pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach. As the uterus grows, pressure on the stomach may add to reflux, causing a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste or food coming back up. Symptoms may be worse after a large meal or when lying down. Heartburn does not mean that the pregnancy is in danger, but frequent symptoms can be uncomfortable and may overlap with conditions such as acid reflux.

Try smaller meals more often, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after a meal, and raise your upper body when resting if night symptoms occur. Notice personal triggers such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine and fizzy drinks; a simple food-and-symptom note can help. Drink fluids regularly, but avoid filling the stomach immediately before bed. Speak with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking an antacid or other acid reflux medication, because suitability can vary during pregnancy.

Arrange medical advice if heartburn is persistent, interrupts sleep, makes eating difficult or does not improve with simple changes. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain or trouble swallowing. During pregnancy, contact your maternity team promptly for severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or upper abdominal pain, even if you also notice heartburn.

Ask which non-medicine measures fit your symptoms, whether a pregnancy-appropriate medicine is suitable, and whether another cause such as gastritis or a hiatus hernia should be considered if the burning keeps returning.