This is partly caused by hormonal changes and later by the growing womb pressing on the stomach. If you suffer from indigestion:
- Try eating smaller meals more often.
- Sit up straight when you are eating as this takes the pressure off your stomach.
- Avoid particular foods which cause trouble, for example fried or highly spiced ones, but make sure you are still eating well.
Heartburn is more than just indigestion. It is a strong, burning pain in the chest. It is caused by the valve between your stomach and the tube leading to your stomach relaxing in pregnancy, so that stomach acid passes into the tube. It is often brought on by lying flat.
To avoid heartburn you could:
- Sleep well propped up. Try raising the head of your bed or have plenty of pillows.
- Try drinking a glass of milk. Have one by your bed in case you wake with heartburn in the night.
- Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before you go to bed.
- Ask your midwife or doctor for advice.
- Don’t take antacid remedies before checking that they are safe in pregnancy.
