# Heartburn During Pregnancy

Source: https://www.pregnancypowerhour.com/conditions/heartburn
Last updated: 2026-07-15

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

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.

## 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](/conditions/insomnia-pregnancy) 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)](/conditions/pregnancy-swelling) or [Pregnancy Rhinitis](/conditions/pregnancy-rhinitis), that will pass once your baby arrives.