Pregnancy health centre

Heartburn during pregnancy

More than half of all pregnant women report symptoms of severe heartburn, particularly during their second and third trimesters. Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is an irritation or burning sensation of the oesophagus caused by stomach contents that reflux (come back up) from the stomach.

Heartburn in pregnancy may occur because of changing hormone levels, which can affect the muscles of the digestive tract and how different foods are tolerated. Pregnancy hormones can cause the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and oesophagus) to relax, allowing stomach acids to splash back up into the oesophagus. In addition, the enlarged uterus can crowd the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upwards.

Prevention and treatment of heartburn during pregnancy

To reduce heartburn during pregnancy without hurting your baby, you should try the following:

• Eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones.
• Eat slowly.
• Avoid foods identified as triggering heartburn, which may include fried, spicy, acidic or rich foods.
• Drink less while eating. Drinking large amounts while eating may increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.
• Do not lie down directly after eating.
• Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed to help prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest.
• Ask your doctor, pharmacist or midwife about medicines which are safe to use during pregnancy.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight-fitting clothes can increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.

If your heartburn persists, seek medical advice. He or she may prescribe medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn usually disappears following childbirth.