How to relieve acid reflux in pregnancy

Pregnancy can make reflux more noticeable as the growing uterus changes pressure in the abdomen and hormonal changes can relax the valve above the stomach. Burning, sour fluid, belching, throat irritation, cough and difficulty sleeping may follow meals or occur when lying down. Reflux itself is common, but symptoms should not automatically be attributed to pregnancy if they are new, intense or changing.

Choose smaller meals more often and eat slowly. Remain upright after eating and raise the head of your sleeping position if night symptoms occur. Keep a simple record of foods and drinks that bring symptoms on; common triggers include fatty or spicy meals, caffeine and late eating, but individual patterns differ. Do not start, stop or share medicines without checking with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor, since product choice and timing matter in pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if reflux prevents eating or sleeping, persists despite changes, or comes with repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, food sticking or weight loss. Seek urgent help for severe chest pain or tightness, breathlessness, faintness, sweating, severe upper abdominal pain, blood in vomit or a severe headache with visual changes.

Ask which non-prescription options are suitable for your stage of pregnancy, whether another medicine is contributing, and whether your symptoms need assessment for Acid Reflux or a hiatus hernia. Mention cough, sleep disruption, vomiting and every medicine or supplement you use.