Day 173 of 280, second trimester
You are 24 weeks and 5 days
Some meals may be followed by uncomfortable indigestion, but you can prevent and ease it.
107 days until your due date
You may be enjoying your food but paying for it with indigestion. Progesterone relaxes the muscles throughout your digestive tract, slowing digestion and making the rings of muscle at each end of the stomach less effective, so acid can leak back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion. As pregnancy goes on, your growing baby also squashes your stomach, leaving less room to digest food.
To ease indigestion, eat little and often, eat slowly, avoid eating late at night, and cut down on fatty or spicy food. Talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedies, including peppermint tea. Prop yourself up with pillows rather than lying flat, and check with your pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicine.
Explainer
Herbal remedies
Natural remedies may seem harmless, but discuss any herbal preparation, even peppermint tea, with your doctor.
Time to think about
Gas
Gassier than usual? Pregnancy slows your digestion, which can cause burping, bloating, passing gas, and an uncomfortable stomach, especially after a big meal. To minimize it:
- Avoid foods that make you gassy; for many women these include cabbage, beans, and other high-fiber foods, and some find large amounts of dairy a problem.
- Eat smaller meals more often instead of a couple of big ones.
- Avoid swallowing air: eat slowly, chew each mouthful well, don't drink through straws, and skip fizzy drinks and chewing gum.
- Cut down on fatty, fried foods, which can add to bloating.
- Don't take over-the-counter indigestion remedies without checking with your doctor.
Focus on
Dads: Arranging paternity leave
Paternity leave is much less common than paid maternity leave, but you may be entitled to some leave and pay. Ask human resources now about your rights and any extra benefits. To maximize your time off after the birth, work out how much vacation you have left and consider saving days. You may also qualify for FMLA leave, although it's unpaid.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 24 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.