Heartburn & Indigestion During Pregnancy

Heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy affect many women and often feel stronger than expected. You may feel a burning in your chest, a sour taste in your mouth after meals or pressure that rises toward your throat.

"Although heartburn is very common in pregnancy, it can be very disruptive and contribute to persistent nausea and vomiting beyond the first trimester, worsened quality of life, and even stomach and esophageal ulcers,” said Reece Clark, MD, an OBGYN at Franciscan Health Mooresville.

Key Takeaways: Pregnancy Heartburn

• Natural hormone changes and your growing baby can cause heartburn.
• Small meals and upright posture often reduce heartburn symptoms.
• Some heartburn medicines are safe during pregnancy, but your provider can help you choose the right one.
• Call your provider if you have chest pain, vomiting or trouble swallowing.
• Franciscan Health offers prenatal digestive-health support across Indiana and Illinois.

What Are Heartburn And Indigestion?

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It’s a burning feeling in your throat or chest after meals when stomach acid touches the esophagus (the pipe that carries food to your stomach). A small valve sits at the bottom of the esophagus and usually closes tightly between meals. During pregnancy, this valve relaxes more often, which allows acid or partially digested food to move upward and irritate the esophagus.

Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, involves discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. Symptoms may include heartburn, gas, bloating, burping or a sense of fullness after a small meal.

Why Does Heartburn Happen During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy affects the digestive system in several ways. Hormone levels rise and cause the valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax. At the same time, your uterus expands and pushes upward. Both changes allow stomach acid to move into the esophagus more easily.

Researchers who study digestive health found that pregnancy raises the chance of reflux because of natural hormone changes and pressure from the growing uterus. A study in Gastroenterology found that these two factors often lead to more episodes of acid reflux in pregnancy.

“Both conditions occur often during pregnancy and usually improve with simple steps,” Dr. Clark said.

What Does Heartburn Feel Like During Pregnancy?

Heartburn often causes a burning feeling in the chest or throat. You may notice a bitter taste, pressure after meals or discomfort when you lie down or bend forward.

“Some women describe a heavy or tight sensation under the breastbone,” Dr. Clark said. 

Talk to your provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding or black, tar-like stool
• Chest pain that feels similar to heart symptoms
• Difficulty swallowing or food that seems to get stuck
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting or trouble keeping food down

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that certain digestive problems in pregnancy can signal deeper problems. They also note that getting care early, once symptoms appear, can protect your health and make your pregnancy more comfortable.

How To Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy

You can find relief from pregnancy heartburn by lowering the pressure on your stomach to keep acid in place. Follow these steps, which focus on posture, meal size and common reflux triggers, to reduce symptoms:

• Avoid smoking or alcohol. Both can raise stomach acid and affect your baby’s health. Seek support if you need help to stop.
• Chew food well and stop before you feel too full.
• Choose loose clothing that does not press on your stomach.
• Drink most of your fluids between meals rather than with meals.
• Eat smaller meals every 2–3 hours to avoid feeling full.
• Lower stress with simple calming activities such as a warm bath, a book or time with a friend.
• Raise the head of your bed with wedges to keep your upper body elevated at night.
• Skip heartburn-trigger foods, such as spicy dishes, citrus, fried foods, chocolate and peppermint.
• Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after meals.

How To Prevent Indigestion During Pregnancy

You can lower indigestion during pregnancy by reducing gas and supporting healthy digestion. Gas enters your body when you swallow air or forms as your intestines break down food. You cannot remove gas completely, but you can limit it with simple steps. These tips can help reduce indigestion during pregnancy:

• Add healthy fiber sources to support regular digestion.
• Avoid high-fat or fried foods. They slow down digestion and increase bloating.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol. Both irritate the stomach and affect your baby’s health.
• Chew food well and slow down during meals. Avoid gulping drinks and skip straws, which pull extra air into your stomach.
• Drink most fluids between meals, not during meals.
• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of filling up at one time.
• Move your body each day. Light activity before meals or at least one hour afterward supports digestion.
• Prevent constipation with water, daily walks and wheat bran, which supports bowel regularity without extra gas.
• Sit up straight at the table to reduce pressure on your stomach.
• Skip gum and hard candy, especially those with artificial sweeteners, since they often create gas.
• Use simple relaxation practices such as deep breathing, a warm bath, or a prenatal yoga or meditation class to lower stress.
• Watch which foods cause gas for you. Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and carbonated drinks often cause symptoms, but each person reacts differently.

What To Do When Heartburn Does Not Go Away

If heartburn continues even after you’ve tried a few simple steps, your provider can take a closer look to understand what’s happening and rule out gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another digestive condition. A review from the National Library of Medicine shows that ongoing reflux during pregnancy can affect daily life and sometimes requires closer monitoring. Your OBGYN can offer next steps and recommend the safest options for you and your baby, including:

• Safe medications
• Endoscopy only when necessary
• Follow-up to monitor symptoms over time

When Should You See A Doctor

At Franciscan Health, we offer prenatal and digestive-health support. If prevention techniques don’t work and you want to try an antacid or an anti-gas medication, speak with your doctor or midwife first. Your provider can prescribe the medication that is best for you or help you make a safe choice of over-the-counter remedies. Request an appointment.