Heartburn in pregnancy: causes, relief and when to call
That burning feeling after dinner has a simple explanation, and a few habits make a real difference.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Heartburn is common in pregnancy, especially from 12 weeks, because hormones relax the valve at the top of your stomach and your growing baby presses on it. Small, frequent meals, not eating within 3 hours of bed, sitting upright after meals and raising your head at night help most people. Ask a pharmacist or midwife before taking any remedy.
Why it happens
The NHS gives two reasons: hormonal changes and your growing baby pressing against your stomach. HealthLink BC adds that pregnancy hormones slow digestion and the muscles that move food down the gullet, so stomach acid can come back up more easily. Symptoms can appear at any time, but the NHS says they are more common from 12 weeks.
Typical signs listed by the NHS: a burning feeling or pain in the chest, feeling full, heavy or bloated, burping, or bringing up food.
8 changes that help
| Change | Source |
|---|---|
| 1. Eat small meals often, rather than 3 large ones (HealthLink BC suggests 4 to 5 smaller meals) | NHS, HealthLink BC |
| 2. Do not eat within 3 hours of going to bed | NHS |
| 3. Sit up straight while you eat and afterwards; HealthLink BC suggests staying upright for at least an hour, or going for a walk | NHS, HealthLink BC |
| 4. Cut down on caffeine and on rich, spicy or fatty food | NHS |
| 5. Notice your own triggers: chocolate and peppermint are common ones | HealthLink BC |
| 6. Prop up your head and shoulders in bed, or raise the head of the bed 15 to 20 cm | NHS, HealthLink BC |
| 7. Sleep on your side; the NHS mentions the left side | NHS |
| 8. Avoid alcohol and smoking, which both make reflux worse | NHS |
A foam wedge under the mattress, or a wedge-shaped pillow, can help keep your upper body raised. Our pregnancy pillow guide explains the wedge and other shapes.
Remedies to ask about
The NHS mentions two types of medicine you can get from a pharmacist:
- Antacids, which neutralise stomach acid. Tell the pharmacist you are pregnant, as some are not suitable.
- Alginates, which help stop acid coming back up into the gullet.
Do not take antacids within 2 hours of folic acid or iron supplements, because they can stop them being absorbed. If these do not help, your GP or OB-GYN may prescribe another medicine. A Cochrane review found no large trials on heartburn relief in pregnancy, which is why lifestyle changes come first and medicines are chosen case by case with a professional.
If you take medicine for another condition and think it is making indigestion worse, talk to your doctor. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Printable checklist: a heartburn-friendly evening
Is this normal? When to call
Burning after meals that settles with these changes is normal in pregnancy. The NHS advises seeing your midwife or GP if changes do not help, or if you have:
- difficulty swallowing;
- a hoarse voice, or a cough that keeps coming back;
- swollen glands in your neck;
- weight loss;
- pain or swelling in your stomach.
The NHS lists pain below the ribs among the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, alongside severe headache, vision problems and sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Call your maternity unit or OB-GYN straight away; 999 in the UK or 911 in the US in an emergency.
For your partner
Cook earlier in the evening, keep portions small and help raise the head of the bed. It sounds simple, and it makes nights much easier.
Questions parents ask
Does heartburn go away after birth?
Usually, yes. HealthLink BC notes that heartburn often gets worse as pregnancy progresses and usually improves or goes away after childbirth.
Which side should I sleep on for heartburn?
The NHS says sleeping on your left side can help, along with propping up your head and shoulders. From 28 weeks, sleeping on either side is the advice anyway.
Can I take antacids while pregnant?
Many antacids and alginates can be used, but not all are suitable in pregnancy. Tell the pharmacist you are pregnant, and do not take antacids within 2 hours of iron or folic acid, as they can stop them being absorbed (NHS).
Do extra pillows help?
HealthLink BC says extra pillows on their own do not work as well as raising the head of the bed itself by 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches), with blocks or a foam wedge under the mattress.
Sources
- NHS — Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- HealthLink BC (Healthwise) — Heartburn During Pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Pre-eclampsia checked October 13, 2026
- Phupong V, Hanprasertpong T (2015), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Interventions for heartburn in pregnancy (PMID 26384956) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.