Bibliographic Info
GuidelineWHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year of Publication2023
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Status
Updated
Recommended
Advice on diet and lifestyle is recommended to prevent and relieve heartburn in pregnancy. Antacid preparations can be offered to women with troublesome symptoms that are not relieved by lifestyle modification.
Notes and Remarks
- 1.Lifestyle advice to prevent and relieve symptoms of heartburn includes avoidance of large, fatty meals and alcohol, cessation of smoking, and raising the head of the bed to sleep.
- 2.The GDG agreed that antacids, such as magnesium carbonate and aluminium hydroxide preparations, are probably unlikely to cause harm in recommended dosages.
- 3.There is no evidence that preparations containing more than one antacid are better than simpler preparations.
- 4.Antacids may impair absorption of other drugs, and therefore should not be taken within two hours of iron and folic acid supplements.