“As with obesity, in pregnancy there’s a lot more acid reflux. This is because of the increase in abdominal pressure. Thankfully, this gets better after the baby is delivered,” says Woodland.
“Acid reflux becomes a little more common as you get older, but it is not a dramatic impact.
“You can become more prone to developing a hiatus hernia over time and this definitely increases reflux. This is where a small portion of the stomach slips up through the diaphragm so it lies up in the chest. This dramatically reduces the barrier strength against reflux into the oesophagus.”
While common, Kennedy does warn that any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms should be taken seriously.
“New onset reflux symptoms over the age of 55 should not be ignored and should prompt a visit to the GP as they could be due to something more serious.”
Woodland says that for most people, occasional reflux symptoms are common and shouldn’t be cause for alarm or drastic lifestyle changes. It’s only when your quality of life is impacted that more action is needed.
“Most importantly, try to reduce weight if you’re overweight and stop smoking if you smoke.
“Otherwise, keep trigger foods and drink (especially alcohol) in moderation. Avoid large fatty meals, especially close to bedtime and try to leave three or four hours between the evening meal and going to bed, if possible.”
Disclaimer: The above does not constitute medical advice, if you are concerned about symptoms speak to a medical professional. Kennedy explains: “Anyone with significant weight loss, or new onset upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux, having problems swallowing (dysphagia), feeling or being sick, symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot and feeling full very quickly when eating, should consult their GP to discuss their symptoms as in some cases these may be suggestive of a more concerning diagnosis.”
Originally published April 2024. Updated February 2026.
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