Help for heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, and the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Acid reflux is a related condition. Similar upper-abdominal discomfort can also occur with gastritis, a hiatus hernia or a peptic ulcer, so the pattern and associated symptoms matter.

Try smaller meals more often and eat slowly. Notice whether personal triggers such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods, caffeine or chocolate make symptoms worse. Avoid lying down soon after eating; sit upright and ask your maternity clinician about a comfortable sleep position. Wear loose clothing around the abdomen. Do not start an over-the-counter remedy, herbal product or acid reflux medication without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy, and tell the clinician about all medicines you take.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if symptoms are frequent, worsening, preventing food or sleep, or not settling with recommended measures. Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, or severe upper-abdominal pain. A new severe headache, vision change or sudden swelling during pregnancy also needs urgent maternity advice rather than being assumed to be heartburn.

Could this be reflux or another cause of upper-abdominal pain? Which medicine and dose are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? What symptoms should prompt maternity assessment? Should I change any supplement or medicine?