How to help prevent heartburn in pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone or in the throat caused by stomach acid moving upward. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Reflux may be worse after a large meal or when lying down.

Heartburn is different from severe chest pain, fainting, or breathing difficulty. Those symptoms need urgent assessment rather than self-treatment. New severe upper abdominal pain with headache or visual changes can also signal [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/).

Try smaller, more frequent meals; eat slowly; and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after food, and raise your upper body when resting if that is comfortable. Notice personal triggers such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, or fizzy drinks, then reduce only the items that clearly worsen symptoms.

Wear loose clothing around the waist and drink fluids in a way that feels comfortable. Before taking an antacid, alginate, or acid-reducing medicine, check with a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor because pregnancy suitability varies and some products should be separated from supplements.

Arrange medical advice if heartburn is persistent, disrupts sleep, makes eating difficult, or does not improve with simple measures. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, severe pain, vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, fainting, or shortness of breath. Contact maternity services urgently for severe headache, visual changes, or upper abdominal pain.

Ask which foods or medicines may be safe for your symptoms, how to space them from iron or other supplements, and whether another condition could explain the pain. Mention vomiting, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, or symptoms that wake you repeatedly.