Heartburnduringpregnancy

Causes: Why the Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Your body is doing incredible things right now, but not all of them feel amazing. Everything is shifting, stretching, and changing. Sometimes, those changes lead to that annoying "fire" in your chest.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone. This hormone is great because it relaxes your muscles to help your baby grow, but it also relaxes the "trapdoor" (the valve) at the top of your stomach. When this door stays open, stomach acid can sneak back up.¹

Progesterone also slows down your digestion. This allows food to stay in your stomach longer, increasing the likelihood of getting heartburn.²

Pregnancy Weight Gain

Gaining weight is a normal and healthy part of the journey, but that extra weight around your middle adds physical pressure to your digestive system. This extra "squish" can force acid back up into your esophagus, especially when you’re bending over or trying to sleep.³

Having Gerd or Acid Reflux Before Pregnancy

If you already had gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn before getting pregnant, pregnancy can make those symptoms return or feel stronger. Pregnancy tends to amplify existing reflux tendencies.¹

Your Growing Baby

As your baby grows, especially in the second and third trimester, your uterus expands and creates more pressure in your abdominal area. This pressure can squeeze your stomach and push acid back up into your esophagus.³

Morning Sickness and Frequent Nausea

Dealing with frequent nausea and vomiting isn't just exhausting; it’s also tough on your esophagus. Constant vomiting can irritate the lining of your throat and put extra strain on the valve that blocks acid, making you more prone to that burning sensation throughout the day.³

Symptoms: How Does Pregnancy Heartburn Feel?

So, how do you know if it’s actually heartburn? Every expecting mom is different, but here are the most common signs to look out for:¹

• A bloated feeling
• Burning/pain in the chest area
• Burping
• Acid or food regurgitation
• Feeling sick, or vomiting

Don’t be surprised if these feelings get stronger as your pregnancy progresses. As your little one takes up more room, the pressure on your stomach increases, which can make the "burn" feel more intense in your second and third trimesters.^1,3

If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. While heartburn can cause discomfort in your chest area, severe or unexplained chest pain could indicate something more serious, like a heart attack. Talk to your doctor right away if you're experiencing concerning chest pain. It's always better to be safe during pregnancy.

Common Triggers: What’s Setting Off Your Heartburn While Pregnant?

Sometimes it feels like almost anything can spark that burning feeling, but usually, it’s a few "usual suspects" behind the discomfort. Identifying your personal triggers can help you manage your day (and your meals) a little better:¹

After meal times: Large meals and eating too quickly can overwhelm your stomach, making heartburn more likely.

Lying flat on your back: The supine position makes it easier for stomach acid to travel back up into your esophagus.

Pregnancy cravings for spicy and fatty foods: We know those cravings are real! But spicy foods irritate your stomach lining, and fatty foods are harder to digest, both triggering heartburn.

Tips: What Can You Do About Pregnancy Heartburn?

While your body is busy growing a human, you can help it out by making a few simple shifts. The first step to finding comfort is usually through lifestyle modifications: small changes in your daily routine that keep the burn at bay.^4-5

Avoid spicy, very sweet (like chocolate), and acidic foods: These foods to avoid irritate your stomach and trigger acid production.

Skip acidic drinks and soda: Carbonated and acidic beverages can make heartburn worse.

Don't lie down right after meals: Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours to let food digest properly.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three big meals, try five to six smaller ones throughout the day.

Try honey or milk: A spoonful of honey or milk can soothe your stomach naturally.⁵

Chew gum: Chewing gum increases saliva production, which neutralizes stomach acid.

Is It Safe to Take Over-the-Counter Antacid Medication While Pregnant?

Sometimes, even the best lifestyle habits need a little extra help. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments like antacids are a popular way to neutralize stomach acid quickly.

However, because every pregnancy is unique, you should always consult with your OB-GYN before taking any OTC medications. Your doctor can help you decide if a treatment like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) is the right fit for you.

Before taking this medication, always read the label carefully. This medicine contains sodium and calcium. If you're on a sodium or calcium-restricted diet, consult your doctor before taking this product.

Do not use after the expiry date listed on the package (month/year).

When to seek medical attention: If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult your doctor.⁶

REFERENCES

1. Dunbar, K., Yadlapati, R., & Konda, V. (2022). Heartburn, nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 117(10S), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001958
2. Alqudah, M., Al-Shboul, O., Al-Dwairi, A., Al-U´Dat, D. G., & Alqudah, A. (2022). Progesterone inhibitory role on gastrointestinal motility. Physiological Research, (2), 193–198. https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934824
3. Ali, R. A., Hassan, J., & Egan, L. J. (2022). Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women. BMC Gastroenterology, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-022-02287-w
4. VĂRȘA, R. G., CIOBANU, A. M., CIMPOCA-RAPTIS, B. A., GICĂ, C., BOTEZATU, R., GICĂ, N., PELTECU, G., & PANAITESCU, A. M. (2021). Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy. Romanian Journal of Medical Practice, 16(S3), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.37897/rjmp.2021.s3.6
5. What is Heartburn during pregnancy?. Cleveland Clinic. (2026, March 30). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12011-heartburn-during-pregnancy
6. Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) Patient Information Leaflet (Dec 2023)
7. Strugala, V., Bassin, J., Swales, V. S., Lindow, S. W., Dettmar, P. W., & Thomas, E. C. (2012). Assessment of the safety and efficacy of a raft-forming alginate reflux suppressant (Liquid Gaviscon) for the treatment of heartburn during pregnancy. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2012, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/481870
8. Strugala, V., Dettmar, P., Sarratt, K., Sykes, J., Berry, P., & Thomas, E. (2010). A randomized, controlled, crossover trial to investigate times to onset of the perception of soothing and cooling by over-the-counter heartburn treatments. Journal of International Medical Research, 38(2), 449–457. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323001003800208
9. Heartburn. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, December 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview

ASC Reference No. R0141N092126G