Pregnancy Reflux: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ask Your Doctor

When you’re pregnant, your body changes in ways you never expected—and pregnancy reflux, a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus during pregnancy. Also known as heartburn during pregnancy, it affects up to 80% of expectant mothers, especially in the second and third trimesters. It’s not just discomfort—it can make eating, sleeping, and even breathing feel like chores. And while it’s common, that doesn’t mean you have to just live with it.

What causes pregnancy reflux, a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus during pregnancy. Also known as heartburn during pregnancy, it affects up to 80% of expectant mothers, especially in the second and third trimesters.? Two big reasons: hormones and space. The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, letting acid sneak up. At the same time, your growing uterus pushes your stomach upward, squeezing acid out like toothpaste from a tube. It’s not your diet alone—it’s your body doing exactly what it’s supposed to do, just in a way that hurts.

Many people reach for antacids right away, but not all are safe. pregnancy medications, drugs approved for use during pregnancy to treat symptoms like acid reflux without harming fetal development like calcium carbonate (Tums) are generally fine in moderation. But avoid those with sodium bicarbonate or magnesium trisilicate—they can cause fluid retention or toxicity. Even natural remedies like baking soda or apple cider vinegar? Skip them. They might seem harmless, but they can throw off your electrolytes or irritate your stomach more. Instead, focus on what actually helps: eating smaller meals, staying upright for two hours after eating, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated. These aren’t just tips—they’re backed by clinical practice.

And if you’re wondering whether your reflux is something worse, like GERD in pregnancy, gastroesophageal reflux disease that persists beyond typical pregnancy heartburn and may require medical intervention, watch for red flags: trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, weight loss, or symptoms that don’t improve with lifestyle changes. That’s not normal pregnancy—it’s a signal to talk to your provider. You don’t need to suffer silently, and you don’t need to guess what’s safe.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of miracle cures. It’s real, practical advice from posts that have helped thousands of pregnant people. From how to read labels on over-the-counter meds to what foods to avoid and when to call your doctor, these articles cut through the noise. No fluff. No myths. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when you’re carrying a baby and trying not to burn from the inside out.