How to reduce acidity during pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, or symptoms after eating may fit acid reflux. A symptom of reflux does not by itself identify another condition, and symptoms can vary through pregnancy.

Try smaller meals spread through the day, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after a meal and notice whether rich, spicy, acidic, or caffeinated foods trigger symptoms. Raising the upper body during sleep may help nighttime discomfort. Check with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before taking an antacid, alginate, or acid-suppressing medicine, because the suitable product and timing depend on your pregnancy and other medicines.

Contact a clinician if acidity is persistent, disrupts sleep, makes eating difficult, or does not improve with self-care. Seek urgent help for severe or new chest tightness, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. During pregnancy, report severe upper abdominal pain with headache, visual changes, or sudden swelling promptly.

Ask which product is suitable for your stage of pregnancy, whether it should be separated from iron or other supplements, and whether your symptoms need assessment for reflux or another cause.