Heartburn and miscarriage: what should you know?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move back towards the food pipe. Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle that normally keeps stomach contents down, while the growing uterus can add pressure later in pregnancy. Heartburn may happen alongside nausea, bloating or an acidic taste. Miscarriage more often involves vaginal bleeding, cramping or pelvic pain, and a change in pregnancy symptoms can have several explanations. Heartburn alone cannot confirm or rule out a miscarriage.

Try smaller meals, remain upright after eating, and avoid lying down soon after food. Notice whether rich, spicy or acidic foods trigger symptoms. Ask a pregnancy clinician or pharmacist which antacid or other medicine is suitable before taking it, because not every product is appropriate in pregnancy. If miscarriage is suspected, assessment may include a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) and discussion of expectant, [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/) or [Surgical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/surgical-management-of-miscarriage/).

Contact your maternity service promptly for vaginal bleeding or worsening lower abdominal pain during pregnancy. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever or feeling very unwell. For heartburn, arrange medical advice if swallowing becomes difficult, vomiting prevents fluids, or symptoms are persistent despite simple measures.

Could my symptoms need an ultrasound? Which heartburn treatments are suitable for my stage of pregnancy? What amount or pattern of bleeding should make me contact the maternity team?