Home remedies for pregnancy acidity

Hormonal changes can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Acid may then move upwards, causing burning, a sour taste, belching or discomfort after eating. It can also disturb sleep. These symptoms fit acid reflux, but chest tightness or abdominal pain can have other causes and should not be self-diagnosed.

Choose smaller meals more often and eat slowly. Notice whether rich, spicy, acidic or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms, then reduce only the foods that affect you. Stay upright after meals and avoid lying down soon after eating. Raise your upper body for sleep if your maternity team says this is comfortable and safe. Wear loose clothing around the abdomen. Do not use baking soda, herbal mixtures or over-the-counter acid remedies without checking pregnancy suitability with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor.

Arrange medical advice if acidity is frequent, prevents sleep, makes eating difficult, or does not settle with simple changes. Seek urgent help for severe or persistent chest tightness, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. A cough that continues may need assessment because reflux is not the only possible cause.

Which antacid or reflux treatment is suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Could another medicine be worsening my symptoms? Should my chest symptoms or cough be examined? What should I do if acidity is waking me repeatedly?