Heartburn and indigestion are so common in pregnancy that about 8 in 10 pregnant people get them at some point. Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest or stomach that moves up towards your throat, often with a bitter taste. This guide covers why pregnancy brings it on, why your triggers may not be someone else’s, and the signs that mean it may be something else.
At a glance
- Pregnancy hormones and your growing uterus make heartburn very common.
- Triggers differ from person to person. What you eat and drink, meal timing, how you sleep and some medicines can all play a part.
- A dietitian can work out your own triggers and what to change first.
- Antacids are considered safe within the recommended dose. Ask your pharmacist which suits you.
- Heartburn that doesn’t settle with antacids, or severe pain under your ribs, needs a doctor straight away.
Why pregnancy brings on heartburn
The hormone progesterone relaxes the muscle that normally keeps stomach contents down, so food and acid can move back up into your oesophagus. As pregnancy goes on, your growing uterus also presses on your stomach. You are more likely to get heartburn in pregnancy if you had it before, or if you have had a baby before.
Why your triggers may not be someone else’s
Two pregnant people can eat the same dinner and only one gets heartburn. What sets it off can involve what you eat and drink, how big and how late your meals are, how you sleep, and any medicines or supplements you take. It also changes as your pregnancy goes on.
That is why a list of foods to avoid rarely settles it. Finding your own pattern, and deciding what to change first without cutting out food you need, takes a closer look at your days.
That is what the reflux consult does. We work through a few days of your food and symptoms, your meal timing and your sleep set-up, and plan the changes most likely to help you rest. Reflux Mini Consult: 20 minutes, $39, by telehealth →
Antacids and other medicines
If changing how you eat doesn’t help enough, antacids can relieve symptoms quickly and are considered safe in pregnancy when you don’t take more than the recommended dose. A Cochrane review found women given antacid treatment reported complete relief more often than those given a placebo, although the evidence overall is limited. Ask your pharmacist which suits you, and see your doctor or midwife if antacids don’t help, as other medicines are available.
When it may be something else
Heartburn that doesn’t go away with antacids, and severe pain below your ribs or in your upper tummy, can be signs of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition of pregnancy. Seek medical attention urgently, or go to your local emergency department, if you have these or a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, or sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face. See your doctor or midwife if your heartburn is not improving.
Free one-page guide: Heartburn and reflux in pregnancy, with the warning signs and questions to bring to your dietitian. Print it or keep it on your phone.
Download the PDFWhere a dietitian helps
Send a few days of food and symptoms before we talk, and we can work out your triggers, meal timing and sleep set-up so you can rest.
The Reflux Mini Consult is 20 minutes with an Accredited Practising Dietitian, by telehealth from anywhere in Australia, for $39.
About the reflux mini consult →Common questions
Why is heartburn so common in pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones relax the muscle that keeps stomach contents down, and later in pregnancy your uterus presses on your stomach. About 8 in 10 pregnant people get heartburn or indigestion.
What sets off heartburn in pregnancy?
It differs from person to person. What you eat and drink, meal size and timing, how you sleep and some medicines can all play a part. A dietitian can help you work out yours.
Is it safe to take antacids while pregnant?
Antacids are considered safe in pregnancy if you don’t take more than the recommended dose. Ask your pharmacist which suits you, and see your doctor if they don’t help.
What should I change first for heartburn in pregnancy?
A dietitian can look at a few days of your food, meal timing, sleep and symptoms and tell you where to start. Antacids can give quick relief, so ask your pharmacist, and see your doctor or midwife if they don’t help.
When is heartburn in pregnancy serious?
Heartburn that doesn’t settle with antacids, or severe pain under your ribs or in your upper tummy, can be signs of pre-eclampsia. Seek medical attention urgently.
Where this comes from
General information only, not personal advice. It does not replace your GP, midwife or obstetrician.
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (healthdirect Australia). Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy. www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy/body-changes-and-anatomy/indigestion-and-heartburn-in-pregnancy
- Phupong V, Hanprasertpong T. Interventions for heartburn in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;CD011379. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011379.pub2
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (healthdirect Australia). Pre-eclampsia. www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy/health-conditions-and-complications/pre-eclampsia