How to relieve heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone that may rise toward the throat, sometimes with a sour taste or fluid coming back up. Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the food pipe and stomach, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Heartburn can therefore appear even if you have not had reflux before. Similar symptoms may also occur with acid reflux, gastritis or a peptic ulcer, so ongoing or unusual symptoms should be assessed rather than self-treated indefinitely.

Try smaller meals spread through the day and eat slowly. Notice whether fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, mint, coffee, fizzy drinks or acidic foods trigger you; avoid only the items that clearly worsen your symptoms. Stay upright after meals and avoid bending or lying down soon after eating. Raise the upper part of your sleeping position if night symptoms disturb rest, while keeping your arrangement safe and comfortable. Wear loose clothing around the abdomen. Do not start antacids, acid-reducing medicines or herbal remedies without checking their suitability in pregnancy, as some products are not appropriate or can affect other medicines.

Arrange a maternity or primary-care review if symptoms are frequent, worsening, affecting sleep, or not settling with these measures. Seek urgent care for chest pressure or pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Prompt assessment is also needed for trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Do not assume new chest pain is heartburn.

Ask which antacid or acid-reducing option is suitable for your stage of pregnancy, how to separate it from vitamins or iron, and how long to try it. Mention every prescribed medicine, supplement and remedy. Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux or need an examination for another cause.