Community Questions - Heartburn in Pregnancy!

'Mums - any tips on reducing heartburn and acid reflux in pregnancy please? TYI!'

Acid reflux and heartburn are common symptoms in pregnancy and although they can occur at any point, they tend to show up in the second and third trimesters. They generally feel like a burning-like sensation in the throat/chest and aren't pleasant.

There are a few tips that could help reduce your heartburn and acid reflux:

1. Try to drink smaller amounts at the same time as eating - drinking a lot of water whilst eating can dilute your stomach acid which then means your body produces even more stomach acid to try to compensate which can lead to increased acid reflux. Try to drink at least 30 mins before and 1 hour after eating - give it a go and see if it makes a difference for you!

2. Try to eat dinner at least 2 hours before bed - mums often say that their acid reflux and heartburn is the strongest just before bed, so if this is you, try to avoid eating too close to bed so your food has time to digest before you head to bed.

3. Eat smaller portions more frequently instead of 3 large meals - too much food at once can trigger heartburn. Try eating smaller meals more frequently to help reduce heartburn.

4. Avoid heartburn triggers - common foods that often trigger heartburn and acid reflux are coffee, spicy foods, fried foods - but try to notice which foods tend to cause your heartburn and avoid them if you can, choosing alternatives where available.