Quick read
Key points
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Indigestion and heartburn are very common in pregnancy, affecting most people at some stage, especially in the second and third trimesters. Rising hormone levels relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing acid to travel upward, while the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Heartburn is severe or not improving with dietary changes and over-the-counter options
01 · Know
What is Indigestion and Heartburn in Pregnancy?
Indigestion and heartburn are very common in pregnancy, affecting most people at some stage, especially in the second and third trimesters. Rising hormone levels relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing acid to travel upward, while the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach.
It usually causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat, along with a sour taste, and tends to be worse after eating or when lying down. It's uncomfortable but not harmful, and it usually improves after birth.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Timing of meals matters
Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones, and avoiding eating close to bedtime, can significantly reduce heartburn symptoms.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Heartburn is severe or not improving with dietary changes and over-the-counter options
- 2You have difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
- 3You notice weight loss alongside symptoms
- 4You're unsure what antacid medication is safe during pregnancy
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Check with a Pharmacist Before Taking Antacids
Many antacids are considered safe in pregnancy, but it's worth checking with a pharmacist or your maternity team, especially if you plan to use them regularly.
- 1Eat smaller, more frequent meals.This puts less pressure on the stomach than large meals.
- 2Avoid eating close to bedtime.Leave a few hours between your last meal and lying down.
- 3Prop yourself up when lying down.Extra pillows to elevate your upper body can reduce nighttime symptoms.
- 4Avoid known trigger foods.Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods often make heartburn worse — notice your own patterns.
- 5Ask your pharmacist about antacids.Several over-the-counter options are considered suitable in pregnancy.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Heartburn in pregnancy is uncomfortable but harmless, and usually responds well to simple dietary changes.
It typically resolves after birth as hormone levels return to normal.