Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

Indigestion and heartburn are common symptoms during pregnancy. You have an 8 out of 10 chance if you are pregnant that you will experience these symptoms at some point.

Indigestion

Indigestion, also called 'dyspepsia', refers to any type of discomfort in your stomach. This usually happens after eating or drinking.

Heartburn

Heartburn, also called 'reflux', is a burning pain in your stomach or chest caused by stomach acid coming up your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The acid irritates the lining of your oesophagus.

Indigestion and heartburn may have similar symptoms.

Symptoms of indigestion include:

• pain or discomfort in your stomach bloating
• nausea
• expelling gas (burping)

Symptoms of heartburn include:

• a burning pain in your chest or stomach, moving up towards your throat
• regurgitation of food
• a bitter taste in your mouth

Both indigestion and heartburn can be caused by several factors such as hormones and pressure on your growing uterus (womb).

Indigestion

Several factors can lead to indigestion, such as:

• slowed digestion — pregnancy hormones can slow down the digestive process
• increased pressure — your growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach and intestines
• dietary changes — changes in diet or eating habits during pregnancy

Heartburn

Several factors can lead to heartburn.

Progesterone, one of the pregnancy hormones, relaxes the muscle that usually keeps your stomach contents down. This lets food and acid move back up into your oesophagus.

In addition, as your pregnancy progresses, your uterus grows and pushes against your stomach. This pressure pushes the contents of your stomach up into your oesophagus.

If you get heartburn even when you're not pregnant, you may be more likely to have it during pregnancy. You're also more likely to get heartburn during pregnancy if you've had a baby before.

What kinds of foods can cause heartburn?

Heartburn can be triggered by what you eat and drink, such as:

• a big meal
• high-fat foods
• spicy foods
• chocolate
• citrus fruit juices
• drinks containing caffeine, including coffee, tea and cola
• alcohol (which is not recommended in pregnancy)

Because everyone is different, it's a good idea to note the foods, drinks or activities that give you heartburn while you are pregnant.

If your heartburn symptoms don't go away with medicine, it's important to see your doctor. A serious pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia can cause pain under your ribs and a feeling of heartburn.

You should also see your doctor immediately if you:

• are vomiting up blood
• are losing weight
• have painful or difficult swallowing
• feel short of breath
• have chest pain

It is also important to see your doctor if your heartburn or indigestion symptoms are:

• severe
• persistent
• becoming worse

Heartburn and indigestion are usually uncomfortable for you, but they won't cause any problems for your baby.

A healthy diet is important for both your and your baby's health. If heartburn makes it hard to eat healthy food, it's best to treat these symptoms.

Heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy can usually be managed by changing how you eat. Here are some tips:

• Eat smaller meals more often and eat slowly.
• Avoid eating for 2 or 3 hours before exercising or going to bed.
• Stay away from foods and drinks that give you heartburn.
• Avoid eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach fuller.
• Sit up straight while eating and don't lie down right after a meal.
• Raise the head of your bed or sleep on at least 2 pillows. Sleeping on your left side may also help.

If changing how you eat doesn't improve your heartburn, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take medicine for it.

Antacids can relieve your symptoms quickly. They are safe in pregnancy if you don't take more than the recommended dose. There are many different types. Talk to your pharmacist to find one that's most suitable for you.

If antacids don't help, your doctor can prescribe other medicines that are safe for use during pregnancy.

Mater Mothers offers information on pregnancy discomforts such as indigestion and heartburn.

Mater Mothers also provide a video on nutrition tips to manage common pregnancy side effects.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

NSW Health offers information about having a baby in several languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

NACCHO can help you find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.

You can find out more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancy health on Stronger Bubba Born or watch the How to Have a Safer Pregnancy video.