Indigestion and pregnancy in the first trimester

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the stomach and food pipe, allowing acid to move upwards. You may notice burning, burping, fullness, nausea, or an unpleasant taste after meals. Indigestion is common in pregnancy and does not by itself show that something is wrong with the pregnancy.

Symptoms can overlap with acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, or a peptic ulcer. A hiatus hernia or Helicobacter pylori infection can also contribute to upper-abdominal symptoms. The pattern, timing, and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide whether testing is needed.

Try smaller meals eaten slowly, and remain upright after eating rather than lying down straight away. Limit foods or drinks that clearly trigger burning, such as very fatty, spicy, or acidic choices. Loose clothing around the waist may feel more comfortable.

Keep fluids going in small, regular amounts, especially if nausea is present. Do not start an antacid or acid-reducing medicine without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy; a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor can guide you. Keep a note of foods, timing, and symptoms to make the pattern clearer.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if indigestion is frequent, worsening, or stopping you from eating or sleeping. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or inability to keep fluids down. New pain beneath the ribs, fever, or yellowing of the skin also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit pregnancy-related reflux, whether a medicine is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, and which warning signs should prompt a same-day call. Tell them about previous ulcers, reflux, gallbladder problems, regular medicines, and any vomiting or weight change.