What should you know about remedies for acid reflux during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones can relax the valve between the stomach and food pipe, while the growing uterus can increase pressure in the abdomen. Acid may then move upwards, causing burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, burping or a cough. Reflux can disturb sleep, but chest tightness or severe abdominal pain should not automatically be attributed to it.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Avoid foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms, and avoid eating close to bedtime. Raising the upper body slightly may help at night; use a safe, stable arrangement rather than stacking loose pillows. Ask a pharmacist or maternity clinician before antacids, alginates or acid-suppressing medicines, because product choice and timing matter during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or GP if symptoms are frequent, severe, affect sleep or eating, or do not improve with simple changes. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting or difficulty swallowing. These signs need assessment rather than self-treatment for reflux.

Ask which remedies are suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to space them from supplements, and whether another condition could explain persistent cough or pain. Tell them about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you use.