Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy. Changes in your hormones and body shape can contribute to acid reflux and heartburn. A few dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent and relieve symptoms.
Heartburn is when you have a burning feeling in your chest. The uncomfortable sensation can move up your throat. You may also have a bitter or sour taste in the back of your throat.
Though it’s called “heartburn,” it’s not related to your heart. It happens because of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid moves from your stomach up to your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquid and saliva to your stomach.
A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) sits between the esophagus and stomach. It opens to allow food to pass, then closes so acid doesn’t travel back up your esophagus. But if the LES doesn’t close properly, the acid can move into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
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Heartburn is a common symptom that women experience during pregnancy. Changing hormones and shifts in body shape can lead to heartburn.
People use the terms “heartburn” and “acid reflux” to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:
Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing.
If you have heartburn, you may:
More than half of all pregnant women report severe heartburn, especially during the third trimester. It’s more common in people who have been pregnant before and those who had heartburn before pregnancy.
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy include:
Try these natural remedies for pregnancy heartburn relief:
Nonprescription heartburn relievers, such as Tums® or Maalox®, can help you feel better. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking antacids. They may contain high sodium levels, which can cause you to retain water. Some also have aluminum in them, which isn’t safe to consume during pregnancy. Your provider can recommend an antacid that’s safe during pregnancy.
You can take steps to reduce heartburn symptoms without hurting your baby.
Dietary changes:
Other tips to avoid heartburn during pregnancy:
If heartburn isn’t going away, talk to your provider. They can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant.
You should also call your provider if you:
Heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack. If you’ve never had heartburn before and you’re having chest pains, call your provider or head to the nearest ER.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Heartburn during pregnancy is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester. You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms. Before you take antacids, be sure to check with your provider for the safest option to take during pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/29/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy