How to stop heartburn in pregnancy

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 womb can increase pressure in the abdomen. Heartburn is a common presentation of acid reflux, but the sensation alone does not identify its cause. Related problems such as gastritis, a hiatus hernia or a peptic ulcer may need separate assessment.

Eat slowly and try smaller portions spread through the day. Notice whether spicy, fatty or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine or fizzy drinks worsen your symptoms, then limit personal triggers. Avoid lying down soon after meals; sit upright and raise your upper body when resting. Loose clothing may reduce pressure around your abdomen. Do not start, stop or borrow medicines during pregnancy without checking with a maternity clinician or pharmacist. An acid reflux medication may be appropriate, but the choice depends on your pregnancy, other medicines and health history.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if symptoms are frequent, disturb sleep, make eating difficult or continue despite these measures. Seek urgent help for severe or persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing. New chest symptoms should not be assumed to be heartburn, especially if they come with sweating, weakness or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw.

Ask which foods and medicines fit your pregnancy, whether your symptoms could reflect another digestive condition, and what to do if heartburn is affecting sleep or nutrition.