Pregnancy GERD relief: practical steps

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the food pipe and stomach, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. This may cause burning behind the breastbone, sour fluid in the throat, belching, nausea or symptoms after lying down. Reflux can disturb sleep and may sometimes cause a cough. Chest discomfort is not always reflux, so its quality and associated symptoms matter.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Notice whether fatty, spicy or acidic foods, caffeine or late meals trigger symptoms, then adjust without cutting out nutritious foods unnecessarily. Raise the upper body for sleep using safe positioning advice rather than lying flat after food. Ask a doctor or pharmacist which antacid or reflux medicine is suitable in pregnancy; do not use a previously prescribed product or herbal remedy without checking.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are frequent, painful, affecting sleep, causing repeated vomiting or making it difficult to eat or drink. Seek urgent help for severe or crushing chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, black stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain. A clinician can distinguish reflux from another problem and select treatment that fits your pregnancy and other medicines.

Which reflux medicine is appropriate for me? Could my symptoms reflect another condition? What should I do if reflux is waking me or stopping me from eating?