Pregnancy acid reflux medication: what to know

Hormonal changes can relax the valve between the food pipe and stomach, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Heartburn, a sour taste, burping, or indigestion may follow. Reflux is common in pregnancy, but persistent symptoms still deserve a medication review.

A clinician may begin with eating and sleeping adjustments, then consider an antacid or another acid-reducing medicine when symptoms continue. Do not start, stop, or combine products based only on a label; some preparations are unsuitable with particular conditions or medicines.

Try smaller meals, remain upright after eating, and avoid foods or drinks that clearly trigger your symptoms. Raising the upper body during sleep may help. Keep a record of when symptoms occur and the product names of anything you take, including supplements.

Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist which product, dose, and timing fit your pregnancy. Follow the advised directions and mention kidney problems, anaemia, vomiting, swallowing difficulty, or other treatment you receive. See our guides to [Heartburn](/symptoms/heartburn/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) for symptom context.

Contact your maternity team promptly if reflux is severe, keeps returning despite the advised plan, or makes eating and drinking difficult. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or fainting.

Ask which medicine is suitable for your symptoms, how long to use it, and whether it can be taken alongside your prenatal supplements. Ask what to do if symptoms change, and whether another condition such as [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) needs consideration.