Support Guide
Propping Up Your Head and Shoulders at Night in Pregnancy
The NHS says propping your head and shoulders up when you go to bed can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep. Here are a few NHS suggestions for indigestion and heartburn at night — not everything on the page.
Why it happens
The NHS attributes indigestion in pregnancy to hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.
What the NHS suggests
The NHS suggests eating small meals often rather than larger meals three times a day, and not eating within three hours of going to bed. The NHS also suggests sitting up straight when you eat and just after eating, and cutting down on drinks containing caffeine and on food that is rich, spicy or fatty.
For indigestion and heartburn, the NHS mentions propping your head and shoulders up, and says sleeping on your left side can also help. For questions about pregnancy sleep positions, follow the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Our pillows
None of our pillows is made to prop your head and shoulders up for sleep. The Back & Lounge Support Pillow is a sit-up support, not for lying down.
When to see someone
The NHS says to see your midwife or healthcare provider if you need help managing your symptoms, or if changes to your diet and lifestyle don't work. The NHS also says to see your midwife or healthcare provider if you have difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, a cough that doesn't get better or keeps coming back, swollen glands on each side of your neck, weight loss, or pain or swelling in your stomach.
The honest part
This is general information, not medical advice. The NHS page also covers medicines; that's a conversation for your midwife or healthcare provider.
Where to go from here
Can't Sleep While Pregnant? covers other pregnancy sleep concerns.
Sources
NHS — Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy (last reviewed 14 November 2023). Checked by Queen Rose on 6 October 2026.
Cleveland Clinic — Pregnancy rhinitis (last updated 3 June 2024). Checked by Queen Rose on 7 October 2026.
FAQ
Q · Which side should I sleep on for heartburn in pregnancy?
For indigestion and heartburn, the NHS says sleeping on your left side can also help. For questions about pregnancy sleep positions, follow the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Q · Do you make a pillow for propping up your head and shoulders?
No. None of our pillows is made to prop your head and shoulders up for sleep.
Q · Can sleeping slightly upright help with a stuffy nose in pregnancy?
Cleveland Clinic says that with pregnancy rhinitis, congestion is usually worse at night, and lists sleeping slightly upright among the ways to unblock your sinuses during pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic says to talk to your pregnancy care provider if a stuffy or runny nose is affecting your daily life.