Heartburn During Pregnancy: Signs, Causes & Relief

Heartburn is that fiery sensation in your chest that often strikes after eating. It’s caused by stomach acid moving up into your esophagus, leaving you with that uncomfortable burn. 

If you’re concerned about pregnancy heartburn or acid reflux in pregnancy, don’t worry; there are ways to manage and prevent it. Here’s everything you need to know about pregnancy heartburn, including natural remedies, what foods to avoid, and whether it’s safe to reach for those Tums!

Table of Contents

• What is Heartburn During Pregnancy?
• When Does Heartburn Start in Pregnancy?
• What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?
• Signs and Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy
• Treatment and Relief for Heartburn
• FAQs on Heartburn During Pregnancy

What is Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Your growing baby might be adorable, but they’re also the reason for that burning in your chest. Heartburn during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormonal changes and the baby pushing up against your stomach, which makes stomach acid more likely to creep into your esophagus. 

This becomes more common as the pregnancy progresses, especially around the second and third trimesters. Learning how to soothe heartburn in pregnancy is key to maintaining your well-being.

When Does Heartburn Start in Pregnancy?

Early pregnancy heartburn can start during the first trimester and get more intense as your pregnancy progresses. It’s particularly common in the third trimester when the baby’s growing size puts more pressure on your stomach, making heartburn more frequent.

What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Heartburn during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormonal and physical changes. The hormone progesterone, which relaxes muscles during pregnancy, also relaxes the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. This relaxation allows pregnant stomach acid to escape into the esophagus more easily, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn. Throw in a growing baby squishing your stomach, and you've got a recipe for a fiery situation. Luckily, while Tushbaby can’t help with heartburn, it can save your back when that same baby is in your arms, giving you one less thing to stress about!

Signs and Symptoms of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy can show up in several uncomfortable ways. The most common symptom is a burning sensation in your chest, typically after eating, that may rise up toward your throat. You might also experience a sour or bitter taste in your mouth due to acid backing up into your esophagus—because nothing says "pregnancy glow" like a side of reflux!

Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness or bloating, frequent burping, and even discomfort when lying down. These signs tend to intensify after eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, especially as your pregnancy progresses. But soon, you’ll be trading heartburn for heart-melting baby moments.

Treatment and Relief for Heartburn

Dealing with heartburn during pregnancy can feel relentless, but there are ways to manage it and get some relief. First, know you're not alone—many moms experience this uncomfortable symptom. The good news is that there are plenty of treatment options to help ease that burning sensation.

Small changes can make a big difference, so try a mix of lifestyle adjustments and simple remedies to help soothe that uncomfortable burn. 

How to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast During Pregnancy

For rapid heartburn relief during pregnancy:

• Suck on a teaspoon of honey to coat the throat and esophagus.
• Chew on fennel seeds—they’re known for easing digestion and can soothe heartburn.
• Prop yourself up with pillows at night to avoid stomach acid rising.

A sore chest and throat in pregnancy can result from ongoing heartburn and acid reflux, as the acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and throat. If this happens frequently, try: 

• Keeping meals light
• Reducing acidic foods
• Sipping on soothing teas like chamomile

Natural Remedies for Heartburn

If you're not keen on meds, try these natural remedies for heartburn:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently to avoid overloading your stomach.
• Sip ginger tea—ginger is known for soothing the stomach.
• Stay upright or take a short walk after meals—gravity is your friend here. 
• Chew on sugarless gum to increase saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.
• Drink a small amount of milk or try almond milk, which can neutralize acid naturally.

How Can I Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Preventing heartburn during pregnancy often comes down to small but effective lifestyle changes. Start by eating smaller, more frequent meals to prevent your stomach from getting too full and avoid common acid reflux triggers like spicy or fatty foods. 

It’s also helpful to stay upright after eating—this allows gravity to help keep stomach acid down where it belongs. Drink fluids between meals rather than with them, and wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce pressure on your belly. These simple steps can make a big difference in preventing that uncomfortable pregnancy heartburn from flaring up.

Foods to Help with Acid Reflux at Night

Nighttime heartburn is never fun. Here are some foods that can help pregnancy heartburn relief at night:

• Bananas and melons are low in acidity and can soothe the stomach.
• Oatmeal is great in the morning and for a late-night snack—fiber can help reduce reflux.
• Yogurt with active cultures can balance your gut.

FAQs on Heartburn During Pregnancy

Got questions about heartburn during pregnancy? We've got answers. From causes to quick remedies, here’s what you need to know to keep that burning sensation at bay while you’re expecting.

Is Acid Reflux Another Word for Heartburn?

Yep! Acid reflux is often used interchangeably with heartburn, but there’s a slight difference. Acid reflux refers to the actual flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, while heartburn is the burning sensation you feel as a result. So, acid reflux is the cause, and heartburn is the symptom. During pregnancy, both terms are commonly used to describe that uncomfortable burning in your chest.

Can You Take Tums While Pregnant?

Yes, you can take Tums during pregnancy, but always in moderation and after checking with your doctor. Tums can help neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from acid reflux. However, don’t overdo it, as excess calcium might not be great for you or the baby.

Is Heartburn a Pregnancy Symptom?

For some women, heartburn can be an early sign of pregnancy due to increased progesterone levels, but it’s not a definitive indicator. If you suspect you’re pregnant, heartburn may be one of the many signs that you’re growing a little human.

From bump to baby, having the right support makes all the difference, and we’re with you every step of the way. Explore the full Tushbaby range for comfort during pregnancy and when your little one arrives!