Heartburn During Pregnancy: What Helps

The NHS says indigestion - also called heartburn or acid reflux - is common during pregnancy. ¹ It says the symptoms can occur at any point in pregnancy but are more common from 12 weeks onwards. ¹ Below is what recognised health bodies say about why heartburn happens in pregnancy, what eases it, and when to see a doctor, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

• The NHS says indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux is common in pregnancy. ¹
• The NHS says it can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach. ¹
• The NHS says eating small, frequent meals - and not eating within 3 hours of bed - can help. ¹
• The NHS says to tell the pharmacist or doctor you're pregnant if considering an antacid, as some are not suitable in pregnancy. ¹

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

What does pregnancy heartburn feel like?

The NHS says symptoms of pregnancy indigestion and heartburn include a burning sensation or pain in the chest, feeling full, heavy or bloated, burping, and feeling or being sick. ¹ It says these can occur at any point in pregnancy but are more common from 12 weeks onwards. ¹

Why does it happen?

The NHS says indigestion in pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes and by the growing baby pressing against the stomach. ¹ The Office on Women's Health says the same: pregnancy hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause indigestion and heartburn, ² and as the baby grows, the uterus pushes on the stomach, making heartburn more common in later pregnancy. ² MedlinePlus adds a physiological detail: during pregnancy, food stays in the stomach and bowels longer, which may cause heartburn as stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. ³

How can I ease it?

The NHS says that eating small, frequent meals rather than three large meals, and not eating within 3 hours of going to bed, can help ease pregnancy indigestion. ¹ If those changes are not enough, it says to see your midwife or GP if you need help managing your symptoms or if changes to your diet and lifestyle do not work. ¹

A note on antacids: the NHS says that if you are considering an antacid, tell the pharmacist or doctor you are pregnant, as some antacids are not suitable during pregnancy, and not to take antacids within 2 hours of taking folic acid or iron supplements. ¹

When should I see a doctor?

Alongside the "if self-care doesn't work" advice above, the NHS lists warning signs that warrant a check. It says to also see your midwife or GP if you have difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, a cough that does not get better or keeps coming back, swollen glands on each side of your neck, weight loss, or pain or swelling in your stomach. ¹

Frequently asked questions

Why do I get heartburn during pregnancy?

The NHS says hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach; MedlinePlus adds that food stays in the stomach longer. ^{1 3}

When does pregnancy heartburn start?

The NHS says it can occur at any point but is more common from 12 weeks onwards. ¹

How can I relieve heartburn in pregnancy?

The NHS says small, frequent meals and not eating within 3 hours of bed can help. ¹

Are antacids safe in pregnancy?

The NHS says to tell the pharmacist or doctor you're pregnant, as some antacids are not suitable, and not to take them within 2 hours of folic acid or iron. ¹

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

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Sources

1. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
2. Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov). https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts (retrieved 2026-07-10).
3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000583.htm (retrieved 2026-07-10).