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Heartburn During Pregnancy | Pregnancy Power Hour
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Condition · mild

Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common and often uncomfortable experience, usually caused by hormonal shifts and uterine pressure.

2 min read

Quick answer

Heartburn during pregnancy is a very common and often uncomfortable experience, usually caused by hormonal shifts and uterine pressure.

On this page
  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team
  • Also: acid reflux
  • Also: GERD in pregnancy
  • Also: pregnancy indigestion

Heartburn during pregnancy, often called acid reflux or indigestion, is a very common and often uncomfortable experience that many pregnant people encounter, particularly as pregnancy progresses.

What it is

This sensation is primarily linked to two key physiological changes. First, the hormone progesterone, which is vital for maintaining pregnancy, also causes the muscles throughout your body to relax. This includes the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve between your esophagus and stomach. When this valve relaxes, stomach acid can more easily flow back up into the esophagus, causing that familiar burning feeling. Second, as your pregnancy advances, your growing uterus places increasing pressure on your stomach, which can also contribute to acid being pushed upwards. It's a mechanical and hormonal shift that's quite common.

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What it tends to feel like

Most people describe pregnancy heartburn as a burning sensation behind the breastbone, sometimes extending up into the throat. It can also manifest as indigestion, a sour taste in the mouth, or even a feeling of food coming back up. For some, it's a mild annoyance, while for others, it can be quite disruptive, especially at night, potentially impacting sleep, much like Pregnancy Insomnia can be. Understanding these sensations is the first step toward finding comfort.

What the evidence says helps

There are several evidence-based approaches that can offer relief. Often, starting with dietary and lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. Many find it helpful to avoid large meals, opting for smaller, more frequent ones instead. Limiting caffeine, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, and mint can also reduce triggers. It's also generally advised to avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after eating. For nighttime symptoms, elevating the head of your bed by six to eight inches, perhaps with a wedge pillow, can be quite effective.

When lifestyle changes aren't quite enough, over-the-counter options are often considered. Calcium carbonate antacids, like Tums or Rolaids, are a first-line recommendation, considered safe across all trimesters, and offer the added benefit of calcium. If these don't provide sufficient relief, your provider might suggest famotidine (Pepcid), which is also considered safe in pregnancy. You might recall ranitidine (Zantac) being a common option in the past; it was withdrawn due to contamination concerns, not pregnancy-specific safety issues. For more moderate to severe symptoms, especially in the second and third trimesters, omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally considered safe options. Your care team can help you weigh these options, considering your unique situation.

Working with your care team

Navigating pregnancy symptoms like heartburn is a collaborative process. While these suggestions are generally helpful, your care provider is your best resource for personalized guidance. They can help you determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific symptoms and health history. It's empowering to know that you have options and support. The good news is that for most, heartburn tends to resolve quite quickly after delivery, often within days, as the hormonal and mechanical factors contributing to it diminish. It’s a temporary discomfort, much like other common pregnancy changes such as Pregnancy Swelling (Edema) or Pregnancy Rhinitis, that will pass once your baby arrives.

Common questions

Why is heartburn so common during pregnancy?+

Heartburn is common because pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, relax the esophageal sphincter. As your uterus grows, it also puts pressure on your stomach, pushing acid upwards. These changes make reflux more likely.

What can I do immediately to relieve mild heartburn?+

For mild heartburn, try avoiding large meals, caffeine, citrus, and fatty foods. Don't lie down right after eating. Over-the-counter calcium carbonate antacids like Tums are a safe and effective first step for many.

Are medications for heartburn safe during pregnancy?+

Yes, several are. Calcium carbonate antacids are generally safe across all trimesters. Famotidine (Pepcid) is also considered safe. For moderate-to-severe symptoms in later trimesters, omeprazole and other PPIs may be recommended by your provider.

Brittany Nance

“Pregnancy is under-supported at every week. This is the kind of clear, calm guidance I give my one-on-one clients — and the questions worth taking back to your provider.”

Brittany Nance · Pregnancy Wellness Consultant · full-spectrum doula

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Written by Brittany Nance, Pregnancy Wellness Consultant· BADT Full Spectrum Doula · Founder, Pregnancy Power Hour
Last reviewed July 15, 2026

This is evidence-informed education from a birth-doula perspective, not medical advice. Always discuss your individual situation with your prenatal care provider.

On this page

  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team

Keep reading

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  • RelatedPregnancy InsomniaPregnancy insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is a common experience that can be managed with practical strategies and support.
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  • RelatedPregnancy HeadachesHeadaches during pregnancy are common, especially in the first trimester, and can often be managed with simple, evidence-based approaches.
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