Other treatment

If you have severe indigestion, or if changes to your diet and lifestyle don't work, your GP or midwife may suggest using medication to help ease your symptoms. Several medicines are safe to use during pregnancy. However, check with your GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking anything.

Antacids and alginates

Antacids can provide immediate relief from indigestion. They work by neutralising the acid in your stomach so that it no longer irritates the protective lining of your digestive system. Alginates form a foam barrier that floats on the surface of your stomach contents, keeping stomach acid in your stomach and away from your oesophagus.

You may only need to take antacids and alginates when you start to experience symptoms. In other cases, your GP may recommend that you take these medicines before symptoms occur, such as before a meal or before bed.

A number of antacids are available from your pharmacist without a prescription. It is safe to use antacids and alginates while you are pregnant as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dose. Side effects are rare, but can include diarrhoea and constipation.

Do not take prescribed antacids and iron supplements at the same time, as antacids can prevent iron from being properly absorbed by your body. Take them at least two hours apart.

Acid-suppressing medicines

If antacids and alginates do not improve your symptoms, your GP may prescribe a different medicine that suppresses the acid in your stomach.