Nighttime heartburn in pregnancy: what should you know?

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or fluid returning into the throat may be more noticeable when you lie down. Heartburn is usually related to reflux, but persistent or unusual upper abdominal pain can have another cause, such as gastritis or a peptic ulcer.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Avoid foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms, and ask your maternity clinician before taking an antacid or other acid reflux medication. Raising the upper body during sleep may help; use a safe, comfortable arrangement rather than putting pressure on your abdomen. Do not start herbal products or borrowed medicines without checking their pregnancy safety.

Get urgent help for severe or persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling. Arrange a review when symptoms are frequent, prevent sleep, or do not improve with pregnancy-safe measures.

Ask which foods and medicines are suitable for your stage of pregnancy, whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, and how to position yourself safely at night. Ask what warning signs should prompt maternity assessment.