Help for indigestion during pregnancy

Indigestion can feel like fullness, bloating, burping, nausea or discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating. Pregnancy hormones may slow digestion and relax the valve at the top of the stomach. Pressure from the growing uterus can also encourage reflux. Acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia or a peptic ulcer can cause overlapping symptoms. Gallstones may cause upper-right abdominal pain, especially after a rich meal, so location and timing are useful details for a clinician.

Choose smaller meals and chew thoroughly rather than rushing food. Remain upright after meals and avoid eating close to bedtime. Limit only foods that clearly trigger your symptoms; common triggers include rich, spicy or acidic meals, caffeine and fizzy drinks. Sip fluids through the day. Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist before using antacids, acid reflux medication, supplements or herbal products, because pregnancy changes which treatments are appropriate. Keep a brief symptom and food record if the pattern is unclear.

Arrange a review if indigestion is persistent, interferes with eating or sleep, or returns despite sensible changes. Seek urgent medical help for severe or localised abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, difficulty swallowing, faintness or chest pain. During pregnancy, severe upper-abdominal pain with headache, vision changes or sudden swelling needs urgent maternity assessment.

Does my symptom pattern fit indigestion or reflux? Could the pain location suggest gallstones or another problem? Which treatment is safe at my stage of pregnancy? When should I contact the maternity team?