Home remedies for heartburn in pregnancy

Pregnancy can make the valve between the stomach and food pipe relax, while the growing uterus can change pressure in the abdomen. Acid may then travel upward, causing burning, sour fluid, burping, or an unpleasant taste. Symptoms can be worse after a large meal, when bending, or when lying flat. Heartburn does not mean that the pregnancy is unhealthy.

Choose smaller meals more often, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Leave a gap between your last meal and bedtime. Raise your upper body for sleep rather than lying completely flat, and avoid clothing that presses on your abdomen. Notice triggers such as spicy food, rich meals, caffeine, or acidic drinks, then reduce only the foods that affect you. Keep drinking fluids and maintain a varied diet. Check any herbal remedy with a pharmacist or maternity clinician before using it.

Speak with your maternity team if burning is frequent, affects sleep, makes eating difficult, or continues despite home measures. Get prompt advice for severe upper abdominal pain, a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell, because these symptoms can need assessment for pre-eclampsia. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Which foods or positions should I avoid for my symptoms? Is an antacid or other treatment suitable in my pregnancy? Could my upper abdominal discomfort be something other than reflux? When should I contact the maternity unit?