Homemade remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnancy can make the valve between the stomach and food pipe relax, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. This can allow acid to move upwards, especially after a large meal or when lying down. Heartburn is uncomfortable but should not automatically be attributed to pregnancy if it is new, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms. Reflux may also overlap with gastritis or a hiatus hernia.

Choose smaller meals more often, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after meals and raise the upper body when resting if your maternity team says this is suitable. Identify triggers such as rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods without cutting out nutritious foods unnecessarily. Avoid baking soda, strong herbal preparations, and borrowed medicines. A pharmacist or obstetric clinician can recommend an acid reflux medication compatible with your pregnancy and other treatments.

Seek urgent help for chest pain with breathlessness, faintness, sweating, or pain spreading beyond the chest. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, or heartburn that does not settle with agreed measures. These symptoms need assessment rather than a homemade remedy.

Which foods or drinks should I limit without affecting nutrition? Is an antacid or other acid reflux medication suitable for me? Could another condition explain these symptoms? Which warning signs should make me call the maternity unit?