Home remedies for severe heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards. Pregnancy can increase pressure on the stomach and relax the valve that normally helps keep contents down. Acid reflux is common, but severe symptoms can overlap with gastritis, a hiatus hernia or a peptic ulcer and should not be self-diagnosed.

Eat smaller portions and remain upright after meals. Avoid lying down soon after eating, and notice whether spicy, fatty or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine or fizzy drinks trigger symptoms. Raise the head of the bed or use an approved wedge rather than stacking loose pillows. Wear comfortable clothing around the waist. Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking antacids, acid reflux medication or herbal products; some products are unsuitable during pregnancy, and prescribed medicines should not be stopped without advice.

Contact your maternity team or clinician when heartburn is severe, frequent, affecting sleep or not improving with simple measures. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe upper-abdominal pain, fainting, or difficulty swallowing. New severe symptoms later in pregnancy also need prompt advice because not every burning sensation is reflux.

Which antacid or acid reflux medication is suitable for me? Could another condition explain these symptoms? What foods or supplements should I avoid? Which warning signs should prompt urgent maternity assessment?