18 weeks and feeling rotten

[Santatizer]

Am 18 weeks and struggling with truly awful heartburn. Not getting chest pain but it's the back of my throat that is painful and it is making me nauseated as well. Gaviscon sometimes helps but I find it difficult to swallow as the consistency is horrible. Hasn't helped much this evening though and I feel terrible. Every night when I turn over in bed, I get reflux. Some days are worse than others and today it's really unpleasant. I also seem to have expanded over last two weeks and feel like I look way more than 18 weeks - I was overweight to begin with which doesn't help but definitely look pregnant now. Does anyone have any tips for the heartburn? I'm also taking daily aspirin - could this be making it worse?

[Cbd333]

I'm sorry you're experiencing this, I suffered with it dreadfully in my first pregnancy? If you're struggling with the Gaviscon tablets try the liquid (and vice versa).

I know it will feel a lifetime away but the second that baby is born the heartburn literally disappears!

[RunnerDuck2020]

I have also had really bad heartburn and am also on daily aspirin, so perhaps there is a link!

For me Gaviscon does seem to be the best thing but the consistency is pretty icky and I don’t enjoy taking it! Have you tried tablets like Rennie or similar? I find these can help sometimes.

I try to sleep with my head propped up so I’m not laying completely flat and I find that helps, though it took me a bit of getting used to.

I also now make sure I don’t eat too much in the evening / eat my dinner too late at night and that’s made a difference as well. I think certain foods can exacerbate the heartburn, but that might depend on the individual. I avoid anything spicy or with garlic in as they seem to make it worse for me so might be worth seeing if you can spot a pattern in what you have eaten on the days it is worse?

[RunnerDuck2020]

Ooh @Cbd333 I didn’t know Gaviscon did tablets - I will have to try those!

[confettiballoons]

I am also 18 weeks but lucky enough not to have heartburn yet in this pregnancy. I found that yoghurt helped and now have a large pot of natural yoghurt in the fridge at all times in case of attacks - I would literally eat half a tub and it feels like it just sits on it and cools things. Might be worth a try?