Ways to help acid reflux during pregnancy

Pregnancy can make reflux more noticeable as hormonal changes relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, while the growing uterus can increase pressure on the stomach. Burning in the chest, a sour taste, regurgitation or a cough may follow. These symptoms can be uncomfortable without being a sign that the pregnancy is going wrong, but severe or unusual symptoms still need assessment.

Try smaller meals spread through the day and remain upright after eating. Avoid meals close to bedtime, and identify personal triggers such as fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine or citrus if they clearly worsen symptoms. Sleep with the upper body raised in a safe, comfortable position; ask your maternity team about the best sleep arrangement for you. Do not start, stop or share reflux medicine during pregnancy without checking with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist. Mention supplements and all prescribed medicines so interactions can be considered.

Contact your maternity team if symptoms are persistent, affect eating or sleep, or do not settle with the measures discussed. Seek urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Prompt assessment is also needed for vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or trouble swallowing.

Ask which antacid or acid-reducing option is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, how to separate it from iron or other supplements, and whether your symptoms could reflect something besides reflux. Explain whether symptoms are worse after meals, when lying down, or alongside cough.