I’m pregnant and have reflux. What can I take?

Questions/answers

Are you pregnant and often bothered by acid reflux? Here are a few tips to help you relieve them, all compatible during pregnancy!

Why do some women experience reflux while pregnant?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause many of the body’s tissues and muscles to relax, including the small muscle at the entrance to the stomach called the cardiac sphincter. The sphincter then opens abnormally, allowing acidic stomach contents to back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation or digestive discomfort that can even provoke nausea in some women.

Reflux during pregnancy can also be attributed to slower gastrointestinal transit, resulting in slower digestion and less efficient stomach emptying.

Reflux can also cause vomiting in pregnant women.

Nutrition

The first step is to adapt the diet:

  • reducing consumption of acidic foods :
    • acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, citrus fruit, soft drinks, etc.)
    • fats
    • caffeine, chocolate and theine
  • eating protein at every meal
  • eating more often, but less at a time (regular meals and repeated snacks)
  • avoiding drinking large quantities of liquid with meals or before bedtime

If we can reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, we can also reduce irritation of the esophagus and reflux.

Reducing physical activity after eating and reducing stress can also help to limit reflux.

For better digestion and sleep, eat in a seated position. You can also think about raising your trunk to sleep, by adding a pillow, for example.

Other methods to reduce reflux

Then, if there is no improvement, you can try :

  • Osteopathy
  • Acupuncture
  • Some over-the-counter antacids, such as Maalox, Tums and Gaviscon, can be taken occasionally, one hour after meals (always check with your pharmacist before starting a new medication).

If you need to take several antacids a day and/or if they only provide partial relief, it’s best to consult your doctor about a prescription treatment better suited to your situation.

Marie Fortier
The baby specialist

Updated article : March 2025.

References :

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Infertility

Infertility

Date: April 3, 2018 Theme: Infertility In this video, I welcome Dr. Belina Carranza, a reproductive and fertility endocrinologist. She
Contractions

Contractions

Contractions scare many pregnant women. If you understand why they occur, how to identify and calculate them and when you
Analgesics and Anesthetics

Analgesics and Anesthetics

Are you giving birth in a hospital and would like to learn about the different ways to soothe pain? Marie
Breaking Your Water

Breaking Your Water

One of a pregnant woman’s greatest fears is breaking their water in public. It can happen, but breaking your water