Heartburn while pregnant: what to know

Hormonal changes may slow digestion and allow stomach contents to travel upward. As pregnancy progresses, pressure from the growing womb can add to the problem. Burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping, or discomfort after meals can fit this pattern.

Pregnancy does not make every upper abdominal symptom heartburn. Gastritis, acid reflux, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer may need consideration when symptoms are unusual, persistent, or accompanied by other warning signs.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after a meal, and raise your upper body for rest if that is comfortable. Notice whether particular foods or drinks trigger symptoms rather than removing broad food groups without guidance.

Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking an antacid or other acid reflux medication. They can check the product, timing, dose, and compatibility with supplements or prescribed medicines.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are frequent, interfere with eating or sleep, or continue despite self-care. Get urgent help for severe chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe upper abdominal pain, or trouble swallowing.

Ask which relief options are suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to separate them from iron or other supplements, and whether your symptoms need assessment. Mention vomiting, weight loss, swallowing difficulty, or pain under the ribs.