Indigestion during the first trimester

Early pregnancy can change how quickly the stomach empties and can make reflux, nausea, burping, or upper abdominal fullness more noticeable. Indigestion is common, but pregnancy does not rule out other causes such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, or Helicobacter pylori infection. A hiatus hernia or acid reflux may also produce burning behind the breastbone.

Tell your maternity clinician about the symptom, especially if it is new, persistent, or different from your usual pattern. Mention pregnancy, prescribed medicines, supplements, and any history of ulcers or reflux.

Try small, frequent meals, eat slowly, remain upright after eating, and avoid foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Sip fluids and consider bland foods during nausea. Check every medicine, antacid, or supplement with a pharmacist, doctor, or maternity clinician before using it; Acid Reflux Medication is not automatically suitable in pregnancy.

Seek urgent medical advice for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, vomiting blood, black stool, fever, or marked weakness. Prompt review is also needed if symptoms steadily worsen or you cannot maintain hydration.

Which treatments are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Could another condition explain the pain? How can I maintain fluids if nausea and indigestion overlap? Which symptoms should take me to emergency care?