Indigestion (dyspepsia) in pregnancy 

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (tummy).

If you have indigestion, you may experience a number of symptoms, including:

• heartburn, a burning sensation that is caused by acid passing from the stomach into the oesophagus (gullet)
• regurgitation (food coming back up from the stomach)
• bloating
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)

How common is indigestion in pregnancy?

Most people are affected by indigestion from time to time, but women are often affected by it while they are pregnant. As many as 8 out of 10 women experience indigestion at some point during their pregnancy. Indigestion tends to become more common as the baby develops.

Indigestion during pregnancy is mainly due to changes that occur in the body, such as rising levels of hormones and increased pressure on the abdomen (tummy).

These changes can often result in acid reflux, the most common cause of indigestion. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the oesophagus (gullet) and irritates the lining (mucosa).

Outlook

A number of lifestyle changes may help improve the symptoms of indigestion, such as eating smaller meals or cutting out certain foods. There are also medicines, such as antacids, that can be taken safely during pregnancy to treat indigestion.

Some women may find that their indigestion gets worse as their pregnancy progresses. However, in most cases, after giving birth, the symptoms disappear. Indigestion during pregnancy rarely causes complications.