Pregnancy Heartburn: Causes, Relief, & Prevention
08 Apr 2025
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your chest after eating, you’re not alone! Heartburn (acid reflux) is very common during pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of expectant moms—especially in the second and third trimesters.
The good news? There are safe, effective ways to relieve and prevent heartburn so you can stay comfortable. Let’s explore why pregnancy causes heartburn and how to manage it naturally and with pregnancy-safe medications.
This allows stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation.
This is why heartburn gets worse in the third trimester.
Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar)
Fatty or fried foods (fast food, heavy cream dishes)
Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda)
Carbonated beverages (bloating increases reflux)
Eating too fast or large meals Identifying your triggers can help you avoid them!
Overeating puts pressure on the stomach, worsening acid reflux.
Sleeping on a slight incline (using extra pillows or a wedge) can help prevent reflux at night. Lying flat after meals makes acid flow back up!
Avoid drinking large amounts with meals to prevent stomach bloating.
Look for gum with bicarbonate (baking soda) for extra relief.
Ginger tea may soothe digestion (but use in moderation).
A small glass of warm milk with honey can help neutralize acid. Avoid too much peppermint—it may relax the LES and worsen reflux.
H2 Blockers (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) – Reduce acid production.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium) – Used for severe cases (ask your doctor first). Avoid antacids with aluminum (Mylanta) or high sodium (Alka-Seltzer), as they may not be safe for pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication!
Vomiting blood or passing black stools (signs of internal bleeding).
Unexplained weight loss or trouble swallowing. In rare cases, heartburn can indicate a more serious issue, so always check with your doctor if concerned!
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Heartburn?
Several pregnancy-related changes contribute to heartburn:1. Hormonal Changes (Progesterone)
Progesterone (the pregnancy hormone) relaxes muscles, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).This allows stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation.
2. Growing Uterus Pressing on Stomach
As your baby grows, your uterus pushes on your stomach, forcing acid upward.This is why heartburn gets worse in the third trimester.
3. Slower Digestion
Pregnancy hormones slow down digestion, keeping food in the stomach longer and increasing acid buildup.Common Triggers for Pregnancy Heartburn
These foods and habits can make heartburn worse: Spicy foods (hot sauce, peppers)Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar)
Fatty or fried foods (fast food, heavy cream dishes)
Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda)
Carbonated beverages (bloating increases reflux)
Eating too fast or large meals Identifying your triggers can help you avoid them!
Safe & Natural Ways to Relieve Heartburn
1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of 3 large meals, eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.Overeating puts pressure on the stomach, worsening acid reflux.
2. Avoid Lying Down After Eating
Wait at least 2-3 hours before lying down after meals.Sleeping on a slight incline (using extra pillows or a wedge) can help prevent reflux at night. Lying flat after meals makes acid flow back up!
3. Stay Hydrated (But Sip, Don’t Chug)
Drink small sips of water throughout the day instead of big gulps.Avoid drinking large amounts with meals to prevent stomach bloating.
4. Chew Gum After Eating
Sugar-free gum increases saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.Look for gum with bicarbonate (baking soda) for extra relief.
5. Wear Loose Clothing
Tight clothing around the belly (belts, tight pants) can put pressure on your stomach and worsen reflux.6. Try Natural Remedies
A spoonful of almond butter or yogurt can help coat the stomach.Ginger tea may soothe digestion (but use in moderation).
A small glass of warm milk with honey can help neutralize acid. Avoid too much peppermint—it may relax the LES and worsen reflux.
Pregnancy-Safe Medications for Heartburn
If natural remedies aren’t enough, some over-the-counter (OTC) medications are considered safe during pregnancy:Safe Pregnancy-Approved Heartburn Medications
Antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox) – Neutralize stomach acid.H2 Blockers (Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) – Reduce acid production.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium) – Used for severe cases (ask your doctor first). Avoid antacids with aluminum (Mylanta) or high sodium (Alka-Seltzer), as they may not be safe for pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication!
When to Call Your Doctor
While pregnancy heartburn is normal, call your doctor if you experience: Severe pain that doesn’t improve with remedies or medication.Vomiting blood or passing black stools (signs of internal bleeding).
Unexplained weight loss or trouble swallowing. In rare cases, heartburn can indicate a more serious issue, so always check with your doctor if concerned!
