How to relieve heartburn while pregnant

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upward into the food pipe. Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle that normally helps keep stomach contents down, while the growing uterus can increase pressure around the stomach. Symptoms may be worse after a large meal, when bending over, or when lying down.

Heartburn can overlap with acid reflux. Persistent or troublesome symptoms may also need assessment for another cause, such as gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer. Read more about [Heartburn](/symptoms/heartburn/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/).

Try smaller meals more often and eat slowly. Remain upright after eating, and avoid going to bed soon after a meal. Raising the upper part of your sleeping position may help night symptoms; use a safe, stable arrangement rather than stacking loose pillows. Notice whether foods or drinks such as spicy meals, fatty foods, caffeine, or acidic drinks trigger symptoms, then reduce the triggers that affect you.

Wear clothing that does not press on your abdomen. Do not start, stop, or share medicines during pregnancy without checking first. A pharmacist, midwife, obstetric clinician, or doctor can review your symptoms, other medicines, and stage of pregnancy before recommending an option. See [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) for treatment information.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if symptoms are frequent, severe, interfere with sleep or eating, or do not improve with simple measures. Arrange prompt medical assessment for trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or significant upper-abdominal pain.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, or associated with breathlessness, fainting, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. These symptoms should not be assumed to be ordinary heartburn.

Ask which over-the-counter or prescribed options fit your pregnancy and whether they need to be separated from prenatal supplements or other medicines. Tell them when symptoms occur, what you have tried, whether swallowing is difficult, and whether pain or vomiting accompanies the burning.