Indigestion in the second trimester

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle that normally helps keep stomach contents from moving upward. As the pregnancy grows, pressure around the stomach may add to burning, sour taste, burping, bloating, or fullness after eating. Symptoms can be intermittent and may be worse after a large meal or when lying flat. Indigestion is one possible explanation, not a diagnosis for every upper-abdominal symptom.

Try smaller portions spread through the day and chew carefully. Remain upright after meals; a comfortable side-lying position with the upper body raised may help at night. Limit only foods that you identify as triggers, such as very fatty or spicy meals, acidic drinks, caffeine, or fizzy beverages. Sip fluids regularly. Before using an antacid, alginate, acid reducer, or supplement, ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist to check the product and timing against your pregnancy and other medicines.

Tell your maternity team if symptoms are frequent, worsening, preventing normal meals, or requiring repeated treatment. Seek urgent care for severe upper-abdominal or right-sided pain, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling. These features need assessment rather than reassurance based on trimester alone.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits reflux, which treatment is suitable, and when to take it. Mention your gestational stage, current medicines and supplements, pain location, vomiting, appetite, and any changes since the last appointment.