Question

What causes indigestion?

Answer

From the start of pregnancy, hormonal changes relax the valve at the top of your stomach, which means stomach acid can pass back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This can cause discomfort in the chest or a burning feeling also known as heartburn. Indigestion is most common after eating but can happen at any time of day or night.

In later pregnancy, your growing uterus starts to press on your stomach, putting pressure on your stomach capacity, pushing it upwards, making you feel uncomfortable after eating and can force even more stomach acid back into your oesophagus.

The combination of hormones and your growing baby means indigestion can strike at any stage of pregnancy, although it is often worse in the last trimester. You may find you suffer most at night, because when you are lying down it is easier for acid to travel back up into the food pipe.

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