What should you know about pills for heartburn during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the food pipe and stomach, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Acid then moves upwards and causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or discomfort after eating. Acid reflux, gastritis, hiatus hernia, and peptic ulcer can cause similar symptoms, so persistent or unusual symptoms deserve assessment.

Medicines used for heartburn include products that neutralise acid or form a barrier, and medicines that reduce acid production. The suitable choice depends on the stage of pregnancy, other medicines, kidney health, and the exact diagnosis.

Ask a pharmacist, GP, or maternity clinician before taking an over-the-counter heartburn product, even if it was suitable before pregnancy. Follow the label and keep a record of any medicine you use. Avoid starting someone else’s prescription or combining products without checking.

Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating, avoiding food close to bedtime, and raising the head of the bed may reduce reflux. Notice whether fatty, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms, but keep your diet nourishing and varied.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure with breathlessness or sweating, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, fainting, or repeated vomiting with dehydration. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe or persistent symptoms, or if heartburn comes with a severe headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling.

Ask which medicine and dose fit your pregnancy, how to space it from prenatal vitamins or other medicines, how long to try it, and which symptoms suggest reflux is not the only cause.