12011 Heartburn During Pregnancy

Overview

Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest or throat that happens when stomach acid flows back up towards your mouth. During pregnancy, this happens more often because changing hormones relax the valve that usually keeps stomach contents down, and your growing baby pushes against your stomach.

Yes. Up to 8 out of 10 pregnant women have heartburn at some point, especially as the pregnancy progresses.

It can affect any pregnant woman. You are more likely to get heartburn if you have had it before, later in pregnancy, or if you are expecting twins or more.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A burning feeling in your chest, often after meals
• An unpleasant burning sensation in your throat
• A bitter or sour taste in your mouth
• Food or liquid coming back up into your mouth (regurgitation)
• Burping or feeling very full
• Discomfort that is worse when you lie down or bend over

Symptoms in children

• This topic is about heartburn during pregnancy, which does not affect children.

Symptoms in older adults

• This topic is about heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn in older adults can have different causes, so it is not covered here.

Causes

Main causes

• Pregnancy hormones relax the muscle at the top of your stomach, so acid can escape more easily into your food pipe.
• Your growing baby and womb push upwards on your stomach, adding to the pressure.
• Digestion becomes slower during pregnancy, which can make food and acid stay in your stomach longer.

Risk factors

• Having heartburn before you got pregnant
• Being in the later stages of pregnancy
• Expecting twins, triplets or more (because of more pressure and hormones)
• Eating rich, spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
• Eating large meals, or eating right before lying down
• Being above a healthy weight

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor or midwife the same day if you have any of the urgent symptoms listed above.
• If your heartburn is very painful, stops you from keeping food down, or does not improve with simple self-care, get advice today.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment during normal surgery hours if heartburn is frequent and lasts a few weeks, and you want to discuss safe options to help it.
• If you are unsure whether your symptoms are ordinary heartburn, mention it at your next prenatal check-up.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or midwife can usually diagnose heartburn by listening to how you describe your symptoms. They will ask about when it happens, what makes it worse, and whether anything helps.

Tests that may be done

• No tests are usually needed for heartburn in pregnancy.
• If symptoms are unusual or severe, a doctor may arrange a small camera test (endoscopy) to look at your food pipe and stomach. This is rarely needed during pregnancy.
• In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to check for other causes of tummy pain.

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare provider will ask a few questions, and may check your blood pressure and pulse. Most women do not need any special tests, and you will leave with advice about managing symptoms.

Treatment

Heartburn in pregnancy is usually managed with self-care first. If that is not enough, there are medications that are safe to take during pregnancy — your doctor or pharmacist can advise you, but always ask before taking anything.

Self-care at home

• Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones.
• Take your time eating and eat slowly.
• Do not lie down for at least one hour after eating.
• Sleep with your head and shoulders raised, using extra pillows.
• Avoid foods that can trigger heartburn, such as spicy, fatty, fried, or citrus foods, chocolate, caffeine, and fizzy drinks.
• Drink fluids between meals rather than with meals.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid extra pressure on your tummy.
• Try gentle walking after meals to help digestion.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor or midwife may recommend a medicine that is safe to use during pregnancy. These include medicines that neutralise stomach acid (called antacids) or medicines that reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. They come as liquids, tablets, or capsules. Your pharmacist can help you choose the right form. Always ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking anything in pregnancy, and follow their advice on how long to use it.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for heartburn during pregnancy. If symptoms continue after your baby is born, your doctor can talk with you about further options at that time.

Living with this condition

Heartburn can be uncomfortable, but it is temporary. Keeping a simple diary of what you eat and when your symptoms happen can help you pinpoint your triggers and feel more in control.

Lifestyle tips

• Prop up the head of your bed by 10 to 20 cm, or use a wedge cushion.
• Avoid eating for a few hours before going to bed.
• Stay upright and move gently after meals.
• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol — both are important for your baby's health and can make heartburn worse.
• Try relaxation techniques, like slow breathing, if you feel stressed about your symptoms.

Diet and exercise

It is important to eat a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet. Instead of large meals, try smaller portions more often. Gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, may help with digestion as long as it feels comfortable. Always check with your midwife before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with persistent discomfort can feel draining, especially if it affects your sleep. It is completely normal to feel frustrated or low. Talk to your partner, family, or midwife about how you are feeling. If you notice signs of anxiety or depression, please share these with your healthcare provider — there is help available, and you do not need to cope alone.

Prevention

Heartburn in pregnancy cannot always be prevented, but many women find that following the self-care steps — such as eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and staying upright after eating — reduces how often and how badly they get it.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for heartburn.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for heartburn during pregnancy. It is a symptom you tell your midwife or doctor about.

Complications

If left untreated

• If symptoms are very frequent and not addressed, the acid can irritate your food pipe, leading to pain and inflammation (oesophagitis).
• Severe or long-lasting heartburn can sometimes mean your food pipe is sensitive, and you may need help to feel comfortable while pregnant.
• Persistent heartburn can make it harder to eat well or sleep well, which affects energy and mood.

Long-term outlook

For most women, heartburn improves or completely disappears after giving birth. In the meantime, there are many safe and effective ways to manage it. With simple changes and the right support, you can stay comfortable and enjoy your pregnancy.

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