How to soothe heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnancy can make heartburn more noticeable as hormonal changes relax the muscle between the food pipe and stomach, while the growing womb can increase pressure on the stomach. Burning may rise into the chest or throat, with a sour taste, burping or discomfort after meals. Acid reflux is a common explanation, although gastritis, a peptic ulcer or a hiatus hernia can cause similar symptoms.

Heartburn is uncomfortable but should not be used to explain away severe or unfamiliar chest symptoms. Your maternity team can help separate ordinary reflux from problems needing assessment.

Try modest meals at regular intervals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Avoid lying down soon after food and identify triggers such as rich meals, spicy foods, acidic drinks, caffeine, chocolate or mint. Loose clothing may feel more comfortable. At night, ask your maternity clinician how to position yourself safely and whether raising your upper body is suitable.

Do not start, stop or share medicines without checking first. A pharmacist, midwife or doctor can recommend an appropriate antacid or other acid reflux medication and explain spacing from supplements or other medicines. Mention any vomiting or difficulty keeping food down.

Seek advice if symptoms are frequent, disrupt sleep, prevent eating, or do not improve with simple measures. Contact your maternity team promptly for severe upper abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, sudden swelling, severe headache or vision changes. Get urgent help for severe chest pressure, faintness, breathlessness, vomiting blood or black stools.

Ask which foods or medicines may be contributing, what relief products are suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to space them from supplements, and which warning signs should trigger same-day advice.