Doctor-Approved Ways to Ease Acid Reflux in Pregnancy

Acid reflux in pregnancy is one of those uncomfortable surprises nobody warns you about. You're already dealing with nausea, fatigue, and a growing belly, and now a burning sensation creeps up your throat after meals. The good news? These reflux symptoms are manageable.

To help you find relief, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Roma Ramones Guevara offers easy ways to help ease the burn, so you can focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy. But first, it’s important to understand why acid reflux happens.

What Causes Acid Reflux in Pregnancy?

Dr. Guevara explains that pregnancy hormones can slow your digestion, keeping food in your tummy much longer. A 2022 clinical review in the journal Medicine confirms that rising estrogen and progesterone relax your esophageal sphincter, the small muscle acting like a door between your stomach and your esophagus.

Dr. Guevara adds that the esophageal sphincter "prevents the stomach acid (with food and other types of acids) from going back up to the esophagus." When the muscle stays slightly open, the acid travels upward, causing a burning sensation.

For some pregnant women, frequent acid reflux can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Understanding what causes acid reflux during pregnancy can help you manage symptoms more effectively.

5 Simple Tips to Ease Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

If you’re experiencing acid reflux during pregnancy, remedies like adjusting your eating and sleeping habits can give you fast relief. Dr. Guevara recommends these changes:

1. Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux.

Skip spicy meals, fatty pork, and fizzy sodas. These easily irritate your tummy and push stomach acid up to your throat. 

"It's best to avoid foods that can easily irritate your tummy and aggravate the burning feeling," suggests Dr. Guevara. “This would be spicy, fatty, salty food and carbonated drinks." Carbonated drinks like soda introduce extra air into your stomach and make acid more likely to back up into your esophagus.

You may also notice that coffee, chocolate, citrus fruits, and tomato-based dishes trigger symptoms. Because reflux triggers can vary from person to person, it helps to pay attention to which foods worsen your discomfort.

2. Chew your food well and eat slowly.

Rushing through your meals can also overwhelm your digestive system. "Chew your food well and eat slowly." Eating slowly helps your stomach break down food more efficiently, improves nutrient absorption, and prevents overeating, she explains.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones may also help reduce pressure on your stomach and lower your chances of acid reflux. Taking smaller bites and chewing thoroughly helps your stomach process food without building excess pressure.

3. Sit upright or stand after eating.

Lying down immediately after a heavy meal can worsen acid reflux symptoms. This is why Dr. Guevara suggests that you don’t lie down or slouch for a minimum of two hours after eating. This gives your stomach enough time to digest your food properly. “This also encompasses avoiding late-night snacks or munching on chips or crackers before sleeping,” she advises.

4. Elevate your head and trunk if you're on bed rest.

If your doctor requires you to stay in bed during your pregnancy, Dr. Guevara recommends that you elevate your head and trunk by a minimum of six to eight inches, or about 15 to 20 centimeters, after eating. Propping yourself up with extra pillows helps keep stomach acid from rising into your throat.

5. Sleep on your left side during your third trimester.

Sleeping on your left side during the third trimester keeps your blood flowing safely to your body and your growing baby, too.

According to a 2023 meta-analysis in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, sleeping on your left side helps clear out stomach acid much faster. Because your stomach sits on the left, this position naturally keeps the acidic contents below your esophagus.

Dr. Guevara adds that this position becomes even more important as your baby gets heavier in your final trimester. Lying flat allows your baby to press on a large blood vessel, which limits your blood flow and causes dizziness. Sleeping on your left side supports healthy blood flow and may help reduce reflux symptoms at the same time.

During your first and second trimesters, usually before reaching 28 weeks, your baby isn’t heavy enough to press on that large blood vessel. "You may sleep in the position that you’re comfortable with during the early months. You’ll definitely miss sleeping comfortably, so better enjoy it while you can," she notes.

When to Ask Your Doctor About Antacids

Sometimes, basic lifestyle changes and natural remedies for acid reflux in pregnancy aren't enough to stop the burning feeling. If your symptoms feel overwhelming, it's time to seek professional medical advice. If you already struggled with hyperacidity or reflux before getting pregnant, Dr. Guevara advises keeping your doctor fully informed:

• Tell your ob-gyn about any maintenance medications during your first prenatal visit.
• Continue taking your previously prescribed antacids only if your doctor approves.
• Wait for your doctor to confirm if your current medicine is safe for your baby or if you need a new prescription.

Easing Acid Reflux in Pregnancy Today

Acid reflux in pregnancy can feel frustrating, but small daily changes can make a big difference. Eating slowly, avoiding trigger foods, and adjusting your sleeping position may help reduce the burning sensation safely. Keep your ob-gyn updated about persistent symptoms so you can manage reflux while supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Now that you know how to avoid acid reflux in pregnancy, you can connect with other parents on the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your own tips for managing those sour burps.

About Dr. Roma Ramones Guevara
Roma Ramones Guevara, MD, FPOGS, is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a deep commitment to maternal health and wellness. Dr. Guevara currently serves as an active consultant at La Consolacion University General Hospital and Dr. Yanga’s Hospital, while also maintaining a thriving private practice across North Caloocan and key areas in Bulacan, including Plaridel, Bocaue, Marilao, Malolos, and Calumpit. With her extensive clinical experience and compassionate approach, she provides high-quality care to Filipina moms, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their pregnancy journey.