What’s the Link Between Heartburn and Pregnancy?

Dr Shanker Pasupathy

Senior Consultant Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Glasgow), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery)

If you are pregnant and have started noticing a burning sensation in your chest after meals or when lying down, you are not alone. Many women experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, and it can be both uncomfortable and unexpected. The symptoms may disrupt your sleep, affect your appetite or simply leave you feeling uneasy throughout the day.

It is natural to feel concerned, especially when your body is going through so many changes at once. In most cases, however, heartburn during pregnancy is linked to normal hormonal shifts and physical changes as your baby grows. Understanding why it happens can help you manage the discomfort more confidently and know when it may be worth seeking medical advice.

Why Is Heartburn Common During Pregnancy?

Heartburn is particularly common during pregnancy due to a combination of hormonal and physical changes in the body. One key factor is the increase in progesterone, a hormone that helps relax muscles to support pregnancy. However, it can also relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus more easily.

As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus places additional pressure on the stomach. This can further push stomach contents upward, increasing the likelihood of reflux and discomfort. These changes explain why heartburn may become more noticeable in the later stages of pregnancy.

Although it can be uncomfortable, pregnancy-related heartburn is generally temporary and often improves after delivery as hormone levels and abdominal pressure return to normal.

What Does Pregnancy-Related Heartburn Feel Like?

Heartburn during pregnancy can present in several ways. Common symptoms include:

• A burning sensation in the chest that may rise toward the throat.
• Discomfort that occurs after meals or when lying down.
• Symptoms that are more noticeable at night.
• A sour or acidic taste in the mouth (regurgitation).
• A feeling of fullness or bloating.
• Mild nausea that may overlap with other pregnancy symptoms.

How Can Heartburn Be Managed Safely During Pregnancy?

Managing heartburn during pregnancy focuses on simple, safe measures that help reduce reflux and improve comfort. In many cases, lifestyle and dietary adjustments are often effective in controlling symptoms.

Some helpful strategies include:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods.
• Staying upright for at least an hour after eating.
• Elevating the head when sleeping to reduce night-time symptoms.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing to minimise pressure on the abdomen.

When to Speak to a Doctor for Pregnancy-Related Heartburn?

While heartburn during pregnancy is common and often manageable, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. If your discomfort does not improve with simple lifestyle changes or begins to affect your ability to eat, sleep or carry out daily activities, it may be helpful to seek medical advice.

You should also speak to a doctor if you are unsure about which treatments are safe during pregnancy or if your symptoms feel different from typical heartburn. A proper assessment can help ensure that your symptoms are managed safely and effectively, while supporting both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Managing Pregnancy-Related Heartburn with Confidence

Heartburn during pregnancy is common and often manageable with simple lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the underlying causes can help you take steps to improve daily comfort. If symptoms persist or become troublesome, seeking medical advice can ensure safe and effective relief for both you and your baby.

Here at Digestive Centre, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach in the management of reflux-related conditions through a diverse team that includes an acid reflux specialist and a dietician. The team is led by Dr Shanker Pasupathy, who is internationally trained and recognised as a key opinion leader in gastro-oesophageal reflux and minimally invasive procedures. If you are experiencing persistent or troublesome heartburn during pregnancy, seek specialist evaluation for a tailored treatment plan that supports both your comfort and your baby’s well-being.

FAQs About Pregnancy-Related Heartburn

Can heartburn start at any stage of pregnancy?

Yes, heartburn can occur at any stage, but it is more commonly reported in the second and third trimesters as hormonal changes and physical pressure increase.

Are natural remedies always safe for heartburn during pregnancy?

Not all remedies are suitable during pregnancy. It is important to consult a doctor before trying any new treatments, including herbal or over-the-counter options.

Is heartburn more common in first pregnancies or later pregnancies?

Heartburn can occur in any pregnancy, although some individuals may notice differences in symptoms between pregnancies.

Can heartburn affect hydration or fluid intake?

Some individuals may reduce fluid intake to avoid discomfort, but maintaining proper hydration is still important during pregnancy.

Is it normal for heartburn symptoms to change as pregnancy progresses?

Yes, symptoms may become more noticeable in later stages as the body undergoes further hormonal and physical changes.

Your Dedicated Specialist

Dr Shanker Pasupathy is the Medical Director of the Digestive Centre at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and a recognised key opinion leader in gastro-oesophageal reflux, hernia and metabolic disease management. He has extensive international training in gastrointestinal endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery, with experience gained in the UK, France and Germany.

Prior to private practice, he was Director of the LIFE Centre and Senior Consultant at Singapore General Hospital, where he led the metabolic-bariatric surgery service. Dr Shanker is actively involved in training healthcare professionals across the region and was awarded the Dean’s Award for teaching excellence from NUS Medicine. He also holds leadership positions in regional surgical societies and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).