Heartburn at night during pregnancy

When you recline, gravity no longer helps keep stomach contents below the food pipe. Pregnancy hormones may also relax the valve at its lower end, while the growing uterus presses on the stomach. Burning behind the breastbone, sour fluid in the throat, cough, or a hoarse morning voice can accompany reflux. Night symptoms may still have other causes, so the overall pattern matters.

Finish your evening meal well before lying down, choose a smaller portion, and remain upright afterwards. Keep water nearby and avoid foods or drinks that you have noticed trigger symptoms. Raise the upper body in a stable, comfortable way rather than lying completely flat. If symptoms continue, ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist about an acid reflux medication suitable for pregnancy.

Get urgent help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, trouble swallowing, or heartburn with severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling. Frequent waking and inability to eat or drink also merit review.

Ask whether your sleep position and evening routine can be adjusted, which treatment options are pregnancy-appropriate, and what warning symptoms should prompt same-day care. Record the time of your last meal, when burning starts, your position, and any throat or breathing symptoms.