Managing sleep apnea, reflux, and positioning during pregnancy can transform your rest and protect your baby's health. Learn proven strategies for CPAP use, safe pillows, reflux relief, and when to seek help.
Reflux During Pregnancy: Causes, Relief, and What Works
When you’re pregnant, your body changes in ways you never expected—and reflux during pregnancy, a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Also known as heartburn in pregnancy, it’s not just a side effect—it’s a nearly universal experience for many women, especially in the second and third trimesters. This isn’t just about spicy food or late-night snacks. Hormones like progesterone relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, letting acid sneak up. At the same time, your growing uterus pushes everything upward. It’s a perfect storm, and it hits hard—sometimes waking you up at 3 a.m. with a fire in your chest.
What makes reflux during pregnancy, a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Also known as heartburn in pregnancy, it’s not just a side effect—it’s a nearly universal experience for many women, especially in the second and third trimesters. worse? Some of the go-to fixes for regular heartburn don’t work—or aren’t safe. Antacids like Tums are fine in moderation, but others like Pepto-Bismol or medications with aspirin or sodium bicarbonate? Skip them. Even some OTC proton pump inhibitors need a doctor’s okay. What actually helps? Eating smaller meals, staying upright for an hour after eating, and sleeping propped up with pillows. Avoiding citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fried food cuts the flare-ups fast. And yes, drinking water between meals—not during—can make a real difference.
It’s not just about comfort. Constant reflux during pregnancy, a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Also known as heartburn in pregnancy, it’s not just a side effect—it’s a nearly universal experience for many women, especially in the second and third trimesters. can mess with your sleep, your appetite, and even your mood. You might skip meals because eating feels like a risk, or you feel too tired to move after dinner. That’s why knowing what’s safe and what works matters. From lifestyle tweaks to pregnancy-approved meds, there’s a path through this. Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from women who’ve been there, plus clear guidance on what to try, what to avoid, and when to call your provider. No fluff. Just what helps—and what doesn’t.
