Pregnancy hormones relax the digestive muscles, slowing the bowel and loosening the valve at the top of the stomach, which leads to heartburn, constipation, bloating and wind. These tend to become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses.
For heartburn: eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid trigger foods, and avoid lying down soon after eating. For constipation: increase fibre, drink plenty of fluids and stay active. Always confirm with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy, including antacids and laxatives, as not all are suitable.
Contact your maternity care provider promptly if you have severe or persistent upper abdominal pain (especially in later pregnancy), vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down, severe heartburn with headache or vision changes and swelling (possible pre-eclampsia), blood in stool or vomit, or any symptom that worries you, so it can be assessed.