How To Get Rid Of Heartburn Fast During Pregnancy

You're already dealing with major body changes, hormonal shifts and morning sickness. Now your chest is burning, you've got a bitter taste in your throat, and to top it off,  frequent burps are making you feel even worse.

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms affecting between 30 and 80 percent of pregnant women, according to Dr. Jessica Vernon, a board-certified OB/GYN in New York City.

It can make you uncomfortable, disrupt your sleep and affect your daily life. On top of the symptoms above, Dr. Vernon explains that sometimes heartburn can even cause regurgitation or vomiting. "Some women also experience difficulty swallowing, coughing, or a feeling of a 'lump in the throat' as stomach acid and undigested food move back up into the esophagus," she says.

Looking for safe pregnancy heartburn remedies? Dr. Vernon recommends talking to your healthcare provider before trying anything new to make sure you have the right diagnosis. "Heartburn usually improves with medication and when sitting or standing, rather than lying down," she says.

Once your doctor confirms that heartburn is the cause, here are some safe heartburn treatments for pregnant women to try.

Understanding pregnancy heartburn causes

Bethany Ferguson, RDN, MS, IBCLC, a registered dietitian nutritionist and lactation consultant, explains that heartburn is a type of acid reflux.

“I often tell my clients that heartburn happens when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus,” she says. “This can occur if there isn’t enough acid to break down food, causing digestion to slow. Sometimes, it’s because the muscle that closes off the stomach—the lower esophageal sphincter—is more relaxed or doesn’t close properly, which allows acid to back up.”

Hormonal changes are another cause of heartburn during pregnancy. According to Dr. Vernon, increased progesterone production relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that keeps stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. "This relaxation, along with slower digestion, makes it easier for food and stomach acid to move back up, causing heartburn," she explains.

Ferguson adds that progesterone slows down how quickly food moves through the intestines. “While this helps your body absorb more nutrients for your growing baby, it can also mean food stays in the stomach longer, making heartburn and acid reflux more likely,” she says.

As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus crowds the stomach, which can push stomach contents upward and contribute to heartburn. Ferguson explains, “The growing uterus crowds your stomach and can make stomach contents flow upward, especially after large or heavy meals."

Quick and safe home remedies for heartburn relief during pregnancy

To ease symptoms associated with heartburn during pregnancy, try following any of the tips below:

1. Diet and lifestyle adjustments

Eat smaller meals

According to Akeem Adigun, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston’s largest health system, one of the best ways to prevent heartburn is to change your eating habits.

"Eat small meals more frequently instead of having three large meals a day," he suggests. "Smaller meals help reduce heartburn because you rev up the digestive system so your body is anticipating more food each time, and therefore it processes the food faster."

Slow down

Adigun also suggests slowing down during meals and taking the time to chew your food thoroughly.

"When you eat too quickly, your body doesn’t have enough time to begin the digestion process properly," he explains. "In fact, it takes about 90 minutes for food to travel from your mouth, through your esophagus, and into your stomach."

Avoid trigger foods

Some foods can trigger heartburn and are best avoided during pregnancy.

According to Adigun, “The most common trigger foods are things like tomato sauce, peppers, spicy foods, and sodas. Caffeinated drinks, in particular, often increase your risk for heartburn.”

2. Posture and Sleep Positions 

Don't lie down after meals

Improving your posture and sleep positions can also help manage pregnancy heartburn. Adigun recommends avoiding lying down right after meals.

“A lot of patients tend to eat late and then go to sleep, which increases the risk of reflux,” he explains. “To help prevent this, try to stay in a sitting position for at least 90 minutes after your last meal.”

Elevate your body and bed

Shelley Balls, MDA, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, recommends elevating your upper body while sleeping to help manage heartburn during pregnancy.

Similarly, John Hopkins Medicine suggests raising the head of your bed by a few inches, which can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus while you sleep.

Try sleeping on your side

When it comes to sleep position, Dr. Adigun recommends sleeping on your left side.

He explains, "That does two things if you're pregnant: it deflects the uterus off of the IVC, which is the blood vessel that brings blood from the legs back up to the heart, and compressing that vessel usually will increase the risk for swelling in the leg. And then, as far as heartburn goes, because of the way the stomach lies, food will usually go into what is called the cardia of the stomach, an area with more capacity to accommodate excess food."

3. Hydration

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is important, but how and when you drink fluids matters, too. Balls recommends sipping fluids between meals rather than during them.

"Drinking too many fluids at mealtime can quickly fill up your stomach, making reflux more likely," she explains. "Even if you're not pregnant, it's a good idea to focus on hydration between meals. That way, you avoid diluting your stomach acid, which is important for proper digestion."

4. Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies may help ease heartburn symptoms. For example, Balls suggests trying a small serving of yogurt or a glass of milk. Add a little honey if you like. “Or you can chew gum to help neutralize the acid,” she adds.

Liza Maltz, a certified doula, also recommends mixing a splash of apple cider vinegar (ACV) into a large glass of water to help with heartburn. “Some moms swear it helps balance pH—just a splash in a big glass of water, not on an empty stomach,” she explains.

Lifestyle adjustments to lessen heartburn during pregnancy

Maintain a healthy weight

Certain lifestyle adjustments can help lessen heartburn frequency and severity during pregnancy. Keeping your weight within a healthy range during pregnancy can make a big difference.

"Carrying excess weight increases the risk of heartburn because it puts more pressure on your stomach, causing reflux," Balls explains. To help manage your weight, try eating smaller, more nutrient-dense meals, which can reduce empty calorie intake and help prevent excessive weight gain."

Wear loose-fitting clothing

Tight clothes around your abdomen can add extra pressure to your stomach and other organs, making heartburn worse. Balls recommends choosing loose, comfortable clothing to help minimize discomfort.

Manage stress

Stress can also play a role in heartburn. "Stress can increase the production of stomach acid and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, both of which promote reflux and heartburn," Balls says. "To help manage stress, try deep breathing exercises before meals, practice meditation or yoga, or take a daily walk."

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

It's best to avoid smoking and alcohol during pregnancy for many reasons, including heartburn prevention. Balls notes that smoking doubles the risk of abnormal bleeding and that nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chance of reflux and heartburn.

Maintain good posture

Finally, good posture can help. "Sitting upright when eating can help reduce pressure on your stomach and decrease heartburn episodes," Balls shares. Try to sit and stand tall, especially during and after meals.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications for pregnancy heartburn

Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can also be used to treat heartburn during pregnancy.

However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any of these options.

Antacids

Antacids are generally safe when used in moderation. According to Dr. Kylie Fuller, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN, antacids like Tums can be a good option for occasional relief. However, she emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions and not exceeding the recommended dose.

Tums are a great first-line treatment for mild reflux, but if you find yourself needing more than the recommended amount, it’s time to consider other options,” Fuller explains.

H2 blockers

According to The Cleveland Clinic, H2 blockers are medications that reduce stomach acid production. They are considered generally safe for short-term use during pregnancy, but you should always consult your doctor before taking them, especially since these drugs can pass into breast milk11.

One commonly recommended H2 blocker is Pepcid (famotidine), which Maltz suggests as an option. However, she also emphasizes the importance of checking with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication during pregnancy.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines that reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, PPIs can help relieve symptoms of frequent heartburn, acid reflux, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers.

Some PPIs may require a prescription, especially if you are in early pregnancy. Dr. Maltz recommends Prilosec (omeprazole), which is often used when heartburn is severe or happens often.

Avoidance of certain medications

However, some medications should be avoided during pregnancy. Dr. Adigun warns that Pepto-Bismol is unsafe and should not be used.

Similarly, Maltz advises against taking antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate, as well as any products with aspirin or high levels of magnesium.

Always talk to your doctor

"Some people need medication to manage heartburn throughout their entire pregnancy, while others only need it occasionally,” explains Fuller. “If your heartburn becomes a more persistent problem, your doctor can help you find safe ways to manage your medications. The good news is that most cases of pregnancy heartburn improve after delivery."

When to call your doctor about heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn usually isn’t an emergency during pregnancy, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive at times. This is why Fuller recommends mentioning it to your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms, as severe heartburn can affect your quality of life.

“However, even severe heartburn can often be managed with over-the-counter medications like Tums or Pepcid,” she explains. “But you should seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe upper abdominal pain, trouble keeping down food or liquids, vomiting blood, or having bloody stools.”

If you have heartburn along with these symptoms, Fuller notes it could be a sign of something more serious than typical reflux. “These signs may indicate a different condition that needs urgent evaluation. In those cases, you should go to the emergency room, as it’s usually beyond what your regular OB-GYN can manage.”

Finding comfort and relief during pregnancy

Heartburn is a common symptom during pregnancy, but there are several ways to manage it-whether through dietary changes or certain over-the-counter medications. Most importantly, always consult your physician for guidance on managing your symptoms.

"Always mention any symptoms you’re experiencing, what home remedies you’ve tried, and any other related issues," suggests Fuller. "However, if you notice any of the warning signs we discussed, I recommend seeking emergency care rather than waiting for your next appointment."

Experts

• Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, FACOG, PMH-C, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) based in New York City.
• Bethany Ferguson, RDN, MS, IBCLC, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and lactation consultant.
• Dr. Akeem Adigun, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN).
• Shelley Balls, MDA, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist.
• Dr. Kylie Fuller, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN).
• Liza Maltz is a certified doula and the founder of In Your Circle™, a community-driven platform that connects families with trusted caregivers based on personal referrals.