Indigestion in the third trimester

Later in pregnancy, the growing uterus can press on the stomach while pregnancy hormones relax the valve that normally limits upward movement of stomach contents. This can cause heartburn, sour fluid, belching, upper-abdominal fullness, or discomfort after meals. Symptoms often increase when lying down or after eating a large meal. Indigestion is common in pregnancy, yet upper-abdominal pain can also signal a problem that needs checking, particularly when it is severe or paired with headache, visual changes, swelling, or feeling unwell.

Choose smaller meals, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after a meal and ask your maternity team about a comfortable sleeping position. Notice personal triggers such as rich, spicy, or acidic foods without making restrictive changes that affect nutrition. Keep fluids going in small amounts if large drinks worsen fullness. Review iron tablets, pain medicines, and supplements with a pharmacist or obstetric clinician. If symptoms continue, ask which pregnancy-compatible antacid or acid-reducing treatment is appropriate rather than using a product chosen without advice.

Contact your maternity team urgently for severe or persistent pain beneath the ribs, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or reduced fetal movement. Chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing requires emergency help. Seek advice when symptoms stop you eating, drinking, or resting.

Ask whether your symptoms are consistent with reflux, whether your blood pressure or other checks are needed, and which medicine is suitable at this stage of pregnancy. Explain when symptoms begin and what relieves them.