Heartburn During Labour

Heartburn during labour is managed by telling the maternity team, adjusting position, and checking symptoms that could signal a different problem. Reflux can feel worse with meals, lying flat, or pressure in the upper abdomen. The team can distinguish familiar burning from chest pain or breathing problems.

Heartburn may feel like burning behind the breastbone, sour fluid in the throat, or upper abdominal discomfort. Hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach can contribute during pregnancy. Acid reflux is one possible cause; gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer can feel similar. Heartburn does not predict when labour will progress or when birth will occur.

Tell your midwife or obstetric team where the sensation is and whether it changes with position or contractions. They may help you sit upright, turn safely, or choose a pregnancy-appropriate treatment. Do not take a medicine brought from home without checking first, especially if you are receiving other medicines or may need anaesthesia.

Call the maternity team immediately for severe or crushing chest pain, breathlessness, faintness, unusual sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Also report vomiting blood, black stools, severe upper abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or a severe headache with visual changes. These symptoms should not be assumed to be reflux.

Ask which positions are safe, whether an antacid or acid reflux medication is appropriate, and which symptoms should prompt immediate escalation. Tell the team about allergies, regular medicines, previous reflux, and planned pain relief or anaesthesia.