What should you know about really bad heartburn 35 weeks pregnant?

Late pregnancy can make reflux more noticeable as the growing uterus changes pressure in the abdomen and pregnancy hormones relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. Burning may rise behind the breastbone, with sour fluid or discomfort after meals and when lying down. Gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer can cause similar symptoms. Heartburn does not by itself show which condition is responsible.

Upper abdominal pain can also overlap with pregnancy complications. Tell your maternity team about pain beneath the ribs, severe headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling, nausea, or feeling unusually unwell rather than labelling everything as heartburn.

Eat smaller portions, remain upright after meals, and avoid lying down soon after eating. Raise your upper body comfortably for sleep and reduce foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms. Ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist before using an antacid or Acid Reflux Medication; some products and combinations are unsuitable in pregnancy. Keep a note of timing, meals, and associated symptoms so your clinician can advise accurately.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, or black stools. Contact your maternity unit urgently for severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, especially beneath the ribs, or pain with headache, flashing lights, blurred vision, sudden swelling, repeated vomiting, or a strong sense that something is wrong. A late-pregnancy symptom that is intense or different from usual should be assessed promptly.

Ask which reflux treatments are suitable at 35 weeks, whether your blood pressure and urine should be checked, and which symptoms mean you should attend maternity triage. Tell them about every medicine, supplement, and over-the-counter product you use.