Heartburn that will not go away during pregnancy

Pregnancy can keep the valve above the stomach more relaxed and increase pressure on the stomach. Symptoms may therefore continue even after avoiding one trigger. Persistent burning, sour fluid, throat irritation, or repeated burping can fit acid reflux, but gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer may overlap.

A clinician may ask about meals, posture, vomiting, swallowing, pain location, and medicines. Those details help decide whether routine reflux care is enough or whether another assessment is needed.

Book advice with your maternity clinician, GP, or pharmacist rather than repeatedly adding over-the-counter products. Until then, try smaller meals, slower eating, upright posture after food, and avoiding foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms.

Ask specifically about acid reflux medication suitable for pregnancy and how to time it around iron or other supplements. Keep a symptom diary showing sleep disruption and response to each change.

Seek urgent help for severe or spreading chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe upper abdominal pain, or trouble swallowing. Contact your maternity team promptly if symptoms are preventing fluids, food, or sleep.

Ask whether the symptoms fit reflux, whether your current remedy is appropriate, and what alternatives exist in pregnancy. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, plus notes on timing, meals, posture, vomiting, and swallowing.