Indigestion While Pregnant: What to Know

It may include fullness, burping, nausea, upper-abdominal discomfort, or acid coming into the throat. Symptoms may occur after meals or when lying down. Growing pressure in the abdomen and pregnancy hormones can affect digestion.

Acid reflux is a common explanation for burning or a sour taste. Gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, gallstones, and a hiatus hernia can also cause upper-abdominal symptoms and may need separate evaluation. Indigestion without typical burning is still worth describing accurately. Mention when symptoms began, whether they follow food, and whether there is pain under the right ribs.

Try smaller meals eaten slowly, remain upright after eating, and avoid meals close to bedtime. Notice whether fatty, spicy, acidic, caffeinated, or fizzy foods trigger discomfort, then reduce only the foods that affect you. Drink fluids regularly and avoid smoking. Do not start or stop medicines, including over-the-counter antacids or acid reflux medication, without checking with your maternity team or pharmacist because pregnancy changes which options are suitable.

Get urgent help for severe chest or abdominal pain, breathing trouble, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, repeated vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe upper-abdominal pain with headache, vision changes, swelling, or feeling very unwell. Arrange a review when symptoms persist, prevent eating or drinking, or are not relieved by simple changes.

Ask which symptoms fit reflux, how to distinguish indigestion from other pregnancy problems, and which medicines are suitable at your stage of pregnancy. Ask whether your symptoms warrant testing or a treatment review.