Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention Tips
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Dec 2, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Dec 5, 2025
Hey!
Waiting for that good news soon!
But in the journey of becoming a mom, you might be facing struggles. One of those is heartburn during pregnancy.
Those nine beautiful months of pregnancy often come with its own set of challenges. Getting rid of the burning sensation in your chest or throat after meals can sometimes be frustrating.
Nonetheless, you are not alone. Nearly half of all expecting moms face heartburn at some stage. The good news is that with the right steps and safe remedies, heartburn can be relieved quickly and safely.
Also read:
https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/fruit/a-complete-guide-to-eating-dragon-fruit-in-pregnancy/
1. Dip into some yogurt
To get rid of this condition, you can try yogurt. Its soothing and probiotic nature can help neutralize acid, making yogurt one of the best options to experience quick relief from the burning sensation in the chest.
2. Drink milk with honey
Experts also suggest a glass of warm milk with honey to drink. It acts as a natural antacid, providing relief from a heartburn-causing acid. Milk coats the stomach lining and honey’s thick texture calms irritation in the food pipe.
3. Snack on almonds
Nuts are less acidic in nature, so eating a handful of nuts after meals can prevent acid reflux. Snacking on almonds is beneficial as they also provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. This makes them a great pregnancy-friendly snack .
4. Eat smaller, more frequent meal
When you put large meals in your mouth, it often overloads the stomach and triggers heartburn. Experts recommend eating smaller meals every 2-3 hours for better digestion, to keep your energy levels steady, and to minimize the chances of acid reflux.
5. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum boosts saliva production which helps wash down stomach acid and neutralize it. Additionally, choosing sugar-free options is better for your teeth.
6. Elevate your head while sleeping
Elevating your head with an extra pillow or using a wedge pillow while sleeping prevents acid from flowing back into the food pipe. Sleeping on your left side also helps in digestion during pregnancy.
7. Drink ginger tea
The natural anti-inflammatory properties of ginger soothe the stomach and improve digestion. Besides, it is also safe in pregnancy. Drinking a mild ginger tea in moderation can calm nausea and reduce heartburn.
8. Avoid trigger foods
Certain foods such as spicy dishes, tomato-based meals, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, and fried or fatty foods should be avoided. They are likely to cause heartburn. Always keep track of your symptoms and cut them down from your diet.
9. Speak To Your Doctor
Occasional heartburn is normal, but speak to your doctor if you experience:
- Severe, heartburn burning
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Have black poop
- Feeling sick
- A sour, bitter, or acidic taste
They will examine you and prescribe you special medicines to help control it.
Caution: Never self-medicate yourself. Always talk to your doctor, especially, if you have a high risk pregnancy to avoid complications.
Causes of Heartburn During Pregnancy
It occurs because of changes in your body while supporting your growing baby. Common causes of heartburn during pregnancy include:
1. Hormone levels changing
When you are pregnant, your body produces additional amounts of a hormone known as progesterone. This hormone relaxes muscles to help you support the developing baby, but it also relaxes the valve between your stomach and food pipe (the lower esophageal sphincter). When that valve relaxes, stomach acid can move upward into the food pipe, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest referred to as heartburn.
2. Physical changes
As your baby grows, your uterus will take up more room and squeeze your stomach. As a result, this pressure can push your food and stomach acid back upward, especially after eating or lying down. This is why heartburn often worsens during the later months of pregnancy.
How Can You Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Knowing common triggers can help prevent the acid from flaring-up during pregnancy:
1. Wear loose fitting clothes
This is simple math; wearing tiger clothes especially around your belly pressurizes your stomach to a level that the acid moves upwards into the esophagus. Always opt for loose, maternity-friendly clothes that give your growing bump plenty of room.
2. Drink your liquids before meals
Have elders in your family ever stopped you from drinking water along with your food? There is a reason behind it. When you do so, it can overfill your stomach and increase the risk of acid reflux. Instead, drink your liquids before meals for a lighter stomach feeling.
3. Eat slowly
This might surprise you. When you eat food in a rushed manner it makes you swallow extra air and overload your stomach, causing heartburn. Hence, eat slowly, chew your food well, and taking smaller bites to help your digestive system process meals more smoothly.
4. Avoid eating before bedtime
You allow acid to flow back up when you eat a heavy meal or snack just before bedtime. Always finish your meals at least 2-3 hours before bedtime for better digestion, sleep, and reduced acid reflux.
5. Avoid lying down after eating
Gravity plays a big role in keeping stomach acid where it belongs. Lying down right after a meal makes it easy for acid to escape into your esophagus. Instead, stay upright either sitting or taking a gentle walk for about 30-45 minutes after eating.
When can you expect to end?
There is no definite answer to when you can expect a permanent pregnancy heartburn relief. There may not be a permanent cure, but you can find relief in the meantime. Just talk to your doctor for individualized pregnancy care.
Book An Affordable Pregnancy Test Online from Redcliffe Labs!
At Redcliffe Labs, you can book a test for pregnancy online with a home sample collection to ensure you and your baby stay healthy throughout the nine months. We offer a series of pregnancy tests, including:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin test (HCG Test)
- Urine Pregnancy Test (UPT Test )
Follow these simple steps to book a test online quickly and easily.
- Visit the official website: https://redcliffelabs.com/ .
- Search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
- You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
Also read:
Conclusion
Heartburn is often experienced during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Heartburn can often be prevented or relieved by eating smaller but more frequent meals, and avoiding spicy or fried foods.
Eat yogurt or some milk as it may also be helpful for relieving symptoms. If you are considering taking antacids during pregnancy, always talk to your doctor which is the safest.
FAQs
- Is heartburn normal during pregnancy?
Yes. Heartburn is very common during pregnancy. It occurs in the third trimester of the pregnancy and usually because of changes in hormones, lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and uterus enlarging. Always discuss your condition with your doctor to find the safest option.
- Can heartburn harm my baby?
No. Heartburn is generally harmless. It can cause discomfort to you, but it cannot harm your baby. Occasional heartburn during nine months occurs because hormonal changes and the growing uterus affect your digestive system. Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent complications,
- When does heartburn usually start in pregnancy?
Heartburn can usually start at any stage in pregnancy, but it is more common in the second and third trimester of pregnancy when the uterus grows and hormones relax the stomach valve. You may begin to feel pressure on the stomach, pushing acid upward.
- What foods trigger heartburn during pregnancy?
Common triggers of heartburn during pregnancy include spicy foods, fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and tomato-based dishes. Instead, munch on almonds, eat slowly and in intervals, and follow your doctor’s advice to prevent the condition.
- How can I relieve heartburn quickly?
To relieve the stomach, sit upright after meals, eat smaller, frequent meals, drink cold milk or water, chew sugar-free gum, and prop yourself up while sleeping. Each pregnancy is different. It is better to meet a doctor, discuss your condition and get personalized advice.
6. Are there safe medications for heartburn in pregnancy?
Yes. Some antacids may be safe for you, not for your child. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. Avoid self medication as it can cause harm, especially, if it is a high-risk pregnancy.
- Does heartburn mean preeclampsia?
No, heartburn does not mean preeclampsia. Heartburn is very common in pregnancy, and is usually harmless. It is caused by hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus. Preeclampsia, on the other hand, is a serious condition. It involves high blood pressure and may cause swelling, headaches, and vision changes.
