If you've started feeling a burn in your chest after meals you used to eat without any trouble, the cause is likely your pregnancy, not the food. Progesterone relaxes the muscle between your stomach and esophagus, letting stomach acid rise back up more easily, and it gets worse as your growing uterus presses on your stomach over time.
How do you ease it?
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones that fill your stomach all at once.
- Avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods if you notice they specifically trigger your heartburn.
- Don't lie down right after eating — wait at least two hours before lying down or going to sleep.
- Prop your head and upper body up with an extra pillow while sleeping to reduce nighttime reflux.
- Eat slowly and chew well, since eating fast increases swallowed air and worsens bloating and burning.
Over-the-counter antacids are usually considered safe during pregnancy, but it's best to check with your doctor before taking any medication — they can suggest the type that's right for you. If the heartburn is very severe, or comes with difficulty swallowing or chest pain, talk to your doctor without delay to rule out anything else going on.
