Dyspepsia is a term used to describe a group of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. It is not a diagnosis. The group of symptoms includes epigastric pain, heartburn, or acid regurgitation, with or without bloating, nausea, or vomiting.

Although occasionally experienced at the beginning of pregnancy, heartburn is generally more common during the last three months of your pregnancy, when pressure from the growing baby in your uterus can cause acid to be pushed back up from your stomach. It is estimated to occur in 30-50% of all pregnancies. It is also more common in multiple pregnancies.

Some things which may help to reduce heartburn include:

• Not smoking, if you do smoke
• Cutting out foods that may irritate the gullet or gut (such as coffee, fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices, spicy foods, alcohol).
• Raising the head of the bed when you sleep.
• Not eating within 3 hours of bedtime.
• Wearing looser clothes and avoiding bending forward.
• Eating several small meals in the day rather than a few large meals.
• Antacid medicines are commonly used 'as required'. Ranitidine is an acid-suppressing medicine. It can ease symptoms if the above suggestions do not help. It is thought to be safe to take during pregnancy. Omeprazole is also an acid-suppressing medicine which can ease the symptoms if ranitidine does not help. It is also thought to be safe in pregnancy.
• You may find that milk helps to neutralise the acid in your stomach.