Heartburn in the third trimester: what to know

Acid or food can move upward from the stomach, producing burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, belching, or a burning throat. Pressure from the womb and slower digestion can make symptoms follow smaller meals than before. This symptom alone does not predict a problem with the baby.

A clinician may consider [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) and less common causes such as [Peptic Ulcer](/conditions/peptic-ulcer/) when pain is persistent, localised, or accompanied by bleeding or vomiting.

Eat modest portions more often, chew thoroughly, and stay upright after meals. Avoid lying down soon after eating; a gentle walk may be more comfortable. Limit foods and drinks that clearly trigger burning, and choose loose clothing around the abdomen. Do not start, stop, or combine medicines without checking with your maternity clinician. They can advise whether [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) fits your pregnancy and current prescriptions.

Seek urgent help for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading beyond the chest. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling. Arrange a review if heartburn prevents eating, drinking, sleeping, or taking prescribed medicines.

Ask what treatment is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to space it from supplements such as iron, and whether your symptoms could be [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) or another condition. Tell your clinician how often symptoms occur and whether they are linked to meals or lying down.