Heartburn During Pregnancy? Here Are the Remedies Moms Recommend Most
Heartburn during pregnancy can feel impossible to manage. I asked TikTok and 1,400 moms replied with their favorite remedies that actually work.
I’m in my third trimester, and if being uncomfortable wasn’t enough, heartburn has officially set in. With no relief in sight, I turned to the MomTok community and asked for help. To my surprise, over 1,400 moms replied with their tried and true remedies. As a pregnant mama going through it myself, I felt it was only right to share the tips I learned. Heartburn is one of the most common and, let’s be honest, one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. The remedies moms shared ranged from natural solutions to medications. Remember, I am not a doctor, just a mom passing along what worked for other moms. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying anything new, especially medication.
Let’s Talk Natural Remedies
If you are like me, you probably want to try natural remedies before turning to medications. The number one suggestion, and one I think most of us have heard before, was milk. It came up again and again, with moms even sharing different methods like sipping it slowly or mixing it with a little water.
I personally tried sleeping elevated, ice cream, and watermelon, and all three helped give me some relief. Staying propped up at night kept the burning from creeping in, but honestly it was uncomfortable and I did not sleep very well. Cold ice cream worked really well, and I am not above a late night sweet treat if it means some relief. Watermelon has been one of my cravings this pregnancy, and it quickly became my go-to because it soothed the burn almost instantly. It is the one remedy I have stayed consistent with.
Other moms had a long list of natural tricks that worked for them. Almonds came up over and over. They are alkaline, which may help neutralize stomach acid, and they are easy to keep on hand for a quick snack.
Getting up and walking after a meal was another favorite. It makes sense because lying down too soon can make heartburn worse, while moving keeps everything in your stomach from pushing back up.
Alkaline water also got mentioned. Because it has a higher pH, it may help counteract stomach acid naturally.
Medications & Supplements Moms Mentioned
Alongside natural remedies, a lot of moms shared over-the-counter options that gave them real relief. The most common ones were Tums and Rolaids, which many keep on hand for quick relief when heartburn hits hard. Another name that came up often was Pepcid. Some moms said their doctors recommended it as a safe option during pregnancy, and they noticed a big difference once they started taking it regularly. Gaviscon was also a favorite for many. Moms liked that it created a soothing coating that provided quick relief after meals. A few moms suggested papaya enzymes as a natural supplement to support digestion. While these might be helpful, this is another one to double-check with your provider before adding to your routine. Several women mentioned Omeprazole (Prilosec) when their heartburn was especially severe. This is not an over-the-counter fix to try on your own, but something to talk to your doctor about if nothing else works. It was clear from the comments that what works varies from mom to mom. Some found that a simple chewable tablet was enough, while others needed a prescription for stronger relief.
Important note: even though these remedies were recommended by other moms, it is always best to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. What works for one person may not be right for another, and your provider can guide you toward the safest choice for you and your baby.
One thing I noticed over and over in the responses was how many moms said nothing truly helped until they had their baby. Comments like “you just have to give birth” came up more times than I can count. While it is discouraging to hear that some moms didn’t find lasting relief, it also reminded me that heartburn is one of those symptoms that is incredibly common and often temporary. On the flip side, there were so many moms who did find little tricks that made the days easier, even if the relief was only for a short while. For me, small things like watermelon or ice cream gave me comfort, and that mattered. Sometimes it is not about fixing everything, but about finding those small wins that make pregnancy more manageable.
If you are in the thick of it, please don’t feel like you have to suffer in silence. Talk with your doctor about what is safe for you, and don’t be afraid to try new remedies until you find what helps. Heartburn may be one of the tougher parts of pregnancy, but you are not alone in it, and there are options worth exploring.
