Severe indigestion during pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscle between the stomach and oesophagus, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. This may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, belching, fullness, nausea, or food coming back up. Acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or an ulcer can also cause indigestion. Gallstones may cause upper abdominal pain, particularly after eating, and need a different assessment.

Indigestion symptoms can overlap with pregnancy-related nausea and other problems. The location, severity, timing, and associated symptoms help a clinician decide whether treatment or testing is needed.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, remain upright after eating, and avoid foods or drinks that reliably trigger burning. Raising the head of the bed may help night symptoms. Drink enough fluids and discuss any medicine with your maternity clinician, pharmacist, or doctor before taking it; pregnancy changes which treatments are suitable. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or constant abdominal pain, chest pain, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell. In pregnancy, severe upper abdominal pain with headache or visual symptoms needs prompt maternity advice.

Ask whether the pattern fits reflux, gastritis, gallstones, or another cause; which medicines are suitable at your stage of pregnancy; and which symptoms should prompt maternity or emergency care.