Natural remedies for heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related hormone changes can relax the valve between the oesophagus and stomach, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Heartburn is a common presentation of reflux during pregnancy, but similar burning can also occur with gastritis or other conditions. New, severe, or unusual symptoms should not be self-diagnosed.

Try smaller meals more often, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after food; when resting, ask your maternity team about a comfortable sleep position. Record foods and drinks that worsen symptoms rather than removing broad food groups. Avoid alcohol and unverified herbal products. Before taking an antacid, acid reflux medication, or supplement, check the ingredient and timing with a pharmacist, midwife, obstetrician, or doctor.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms interfere with eating or sleep, do not improve with simple measures, or require frequent medicine. Seek urgent assessment for severe chest pain, breathlessness, faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting.

Ask which medicines are suitable at your stage of pregnancy, whether your symptoms need another explanation, and how to protect nutrition and hydration if eating becomes difficult.