Are Tums Bad For Pregnancy

What Antacids Are Safe During Pregnancy

What Are 10 Week Pregnancy Symptoms | Plus How to Treat Heartburn and Morning Sickness

Antacids that are calcium-carbonate-based are safe to take.

But antacids that are sodium-bicarbonate-based are not a good idea.

Thats because they have the potential to cause fluid buildup.

Also, steer clear of antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate, as these can be harmful to your baby.

Next question: How many TUMS can I take while pregnant?

Is It Safe To Use Tums During Pregnancy

It is common during pregnancy period that women faces different changes in their body and some problems like heartburn or acid indigestion or acid re-flux. Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs in area between throat and lower breast bone. This burning sensation expands from lower breast bone to throat. This is common discomfort faced during pregnancy and it may be first time for many women so it causes discomfort but it is harmful. Heartburns occurs in pregnant women due to physical and hormonal changes.

Hormone progesterone is produced by the placenta that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and it also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach this allows gastric acids to seep back up and causes burning sensation.

When they look for solution for heartburn generally question rises Are Tums Safe during Pregnancy. Tums are not specifically created for pregnancy women suffering from heartburn. Tums or generic calcium carbonate is an antacid that provides fast relief from heartburn. During pregnancy tum should be taken with maintaining time gap from iron supplements that helps in achieving benefits of medicines as tums also provides calcium to the body.

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Disclaimer

Ideal Dosage Of Tums During Pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

You may take two to four tablets of Tums every two hours to get the needed relief from heartburn . However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any antacid. Also, always maintain a gap of at least two hours between taking an antacid and iron supplements to derive maximum benefits from both the medicines.

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Are Other Heartburn Medicines Safe During Pregnancy

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking other types of OTC medications to treat heartburn. Some OTC options can go through the placenta and reach the baby. Other medications dont have as many studies backing up their safety in pregnancy.

Antacids should usually be tried first before moving on to stronger medications. But if you do need something stronger, your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits. Studies suggest that histamine-2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors can be used safely with guidance from a healthcare provider.

How Is This Medicine Best Taken

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Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • Take with or without food.
  • Chew well before swallowing.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

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How To Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy

Altering your diet or adjusting your lifestyle should be the first thing you try when looking to manage your pregnancy heartburn. If you pay attention, you will probably notice certain foods are more likely to trigger heartburn. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Avoid food and beverages that cause you gastrointestinal distress For example caffeine chocolate acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, and vinegar processed meats mint products and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.
  • Do not eat big meals. Instead, eat several small meals throughout the day. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.
  • Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids during meals you dont want to distend your stomach.
  • Try chewing gum after eating Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands, and saliva can help neutralize the acid.
  • Do not eat close to bedtime Give yourself two to three hours to digest your food before you lie down.

Keep in mind the majority of pregnant women experience heartburn during pregnancy, take TUMS for relief and go on to have a normal and healthy pregnancy. Another product similar to TUMS, called Tame the Flame, is provided by Healthy Mama.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. .Mayo Clinic Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy. United States of America: Harper Collins.

When Should You See A Healthcare Provider About Heartburn Or Reflux During Pregnancy

Check in with your healthcare provider if calcium carbonate antacids dont seem to be helping. You should also reach out to them if you need to use them frequently for more than 2 weeks.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these other symptoms with your heartburn:

  • Pain or cramps in your lower belly, side, or back

  • Severe diarrhea that doesnt go away

  • New or worsening nausea or vomiting

  • Blood in your stool or stools that are very dark

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Heartburn Symptoms And Pre

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious, such as pre-eclampsia. A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia usually has high blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. Pre-eclampsia could also seriously affect a woman’s liver, blood and brain. Any pregnant woman can experience pre-eclampsia â almost 1 in 20 Australian women will develop it.

Because pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, you should let your doctor know if your heartburn medicine is not working. This is especially important if you’re also feeling very unwell or you have:

  • sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face
  • a headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
  • problems with your eyesight such as blurring or seeing flashing lights or dots
  • a strong pain below your ribs

Find out more about how pre-eclampsia is treated here.

How Many Tums Are Safe While Pregnant

35 weeks pregnant! You have questions and I have answers

So how many tums can I take while pregnant?

The recommended TUMS pregnancy dosage is 10 regular-strength tablets in 24 hoursthats according to TUMS themselves.

A good guideline is to take two regular strength TUMS every four to six hours when you need them.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you are taking iron supplements, space them out from your TUMS intake so you get the maximum benefit from both.

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Do Tums Help Nausea During Pregnancy

And sometimes that stomach acid gets really ambitious and does more than cause heartburn.

As it turns out, TUMS can come to the rescue here too.

As this medical review of multiple studies tells us, antacids are a good first line of defense.

That being said, if youre really struggling with your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.

You dont have to just battle through this alone.

How Do I Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy

When youre growing a human being, you dont have time for that yucky acid reflux. But your usual go-to methods for treating it may not be safe for your unborn baby.

Instead, here are some of the safest and best ways to get rid of heartburn when youre pregnant:

  • Dip into some yogurt. Its probiotics and soothing texture make yogurt a great option for extinguishing heartburn or at least dousing the flames a little.
  • Drink milk with honey. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a tablespoon of honey mixed in a glass of warm milk may be just what you need to neutralize heartburn-causing acid.
  • Snack on almonds. Munching on a handful of almonds may provide heartburn relief since these nuts have a lower acidity level than others.
  • Eat pineapple or papaya. For some women, the digestive enzymes in pineapple and papaya have helped ease symptoms. Eating these fruits after your meals can aid digestion and reduce your chances of heartburn.
  • Try a little ginger. You probably knew ginger was a good remedy for an upset stomach. Well, that makes it a helpful candidate for fighting off heartburn, too. Among gingers many benefits, it can reduce inflammation and prevent stomach acid from traveling up the esophagus.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. Another effective method for taming the burn is to chew some sugar-free gum. One study found that chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal can reduce acid reflux.
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    What Are Probiotics And How Do They Work

    You may have come across the term probiotics before or overheard your friend whos a health fiend mention them, but youre still unsure what they are. Probiotics are the combination of live bacteria and/or yeasts that occur within your body naturally and are extremely beneficial for your body.2 If youre sick, your doctor may mention that theres bad bacteria in your body thats causing a type of infection. Though bad bacteria exist in the body, you also carry good bacteriaprobioticsthat help to keep your body healthy and to maintain balance.2

    Probiotics are a part of your microbiome, and your body contains trillions of microbes that work together to keep your body healthy.2 Some of the most common places linked to beneficial microbes in the body are your gut, mouth, and lungs.2 Probiotics work to help your body maintain balance, fighting off the bad bacteria with the good. In fact, probiotics can help your body digest food, break down and absorb medications, and support the cells that line your gut to prevent any bad bacteria from entering your blood.2

    Infographic: Can Yoga Help With Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

    In Bloom: Maternity Must Haves &  Hayley Moves!

    Different yoga poses and breathing techniques help maintain optimum digestive system function, reducing the risk of ailments such as acid reflux. However, these should be practiced only under expert supervision to avoid injury. Go through the infographic below to learn about asanas and pranayama that may relieve acid reflux.

    References:

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    What Are The Safest Ways To Deal With Heartburn And Reflux During Pregnancy

    The best way to treat pregnancy heartburn is to prevent it. Here are some tips to help you avoid it:

    • Avoid common triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, and greasy foods

    • Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones

    • Avoid acidic foods like citrus juices and tomatoes

    • Wait at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed

    • Wear clothing that fits loosely to help relieve pressure on your stomach

    • Raise the head of your bed by about 4 to 6 inches to help acid better stay in your stomach

    There are also some natural ways to treat heartburn symptoms. Eating yogurt or drinking milk can help relieve the burning sensation. You can also try mixing about a tablespoon of honey with a glass of warm milk.

    Avoiding Indigestion And Heartburn

    If your symptoms are mild, it’s possible that changes to your diet or lifestyle may help prevent indigestion and heartburn. You could try:

    • eating smaller meals, more often
    • avoiding eating just before bed
    • avoiding foods and drinks that you suspect give you heartburn
    • not drinking a lot of coffee at the end of the day
    • avoiding eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach more full
    • sitting up straight while eating, and not lying down after a meal
    • chewing gum, which may cause you to produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid
    • raise the head of your bed by 10 to 15cm
    • sleep on your left side

    If your indigestion is not helped by diet and lifestyle changes, or your symptoms are more severe, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take a medicine for indigestion that is safe to use during pregnancy. Medicines can neutralise the acid in your stomach, reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach and stop the acid rising into your oesophagus.

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    What Class Is Tums In For Pregnancy

    Interestingly enough, TUMS doesnt have a specific category as a pregnancy medication or drug according to the US FDA.

    This is because its not known to cause any abnormalities to the mother or baby if taken while pregnant.

    But if youre not sure whether you should take TUMS while pregnant, particularly if youve had gastrointestinal issues before, its worth checking with your doctor.

    Low Acidity Can Weaken Immunity

    Heartburn in Pregnancy – 10 Tips to Identify, Prevent, and Treat

    Think of your stomach acid as a filter. When you consume harmful microbes, normal acidity helps filter many of them out. However, when you use calcium carbonate, your acidity is lowered which ruins your natural built-in bad microbe filter. This leaves you at a higher risk for stomach bugs and other illnesses.

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    What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Tums

    All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

    These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy

    When you’re pregnant, your bodys hormone levels experience changes. Some may act as a muscle relaxant that helps to prepare your body for childbirth. The downside? The increase of some hormones may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. That’s the valve responsible for keeping stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus, where it doesn’t belong. If the acid moves into that area, it can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.2

    As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, there may be more pressure on your stomach. This too can push the acid in your stomach past the LES and back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

    The good news is that heartburn will likely stop for most women after they give birth. If you have heartburn while pregnant, however, you may be at an increased risk of having heartburn later in life.

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    Final Thoughts On Tums Side Effects

    In the moment, when you are desperate for relief, antacids like Tums may seem like a great idea. But, are they really worth it? They may actually cause your body and mind more harm than good in the long run. With symptoms like kidney stones and heart arrhythmias among others, it may be best to put the mega pack of Tums down and step away.

    But, there is no need for you to suffer from pesky heartburn. Mixing some apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and taking that instead will help with your heartburn. Apple cider vinegar even comes with a long list of added benefits instead of adverse effects. It is the perfect natural alternative.

    Give it a try and see how it works for you.

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    Consumer Information Use And Disclaimer

    You
    • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
    • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
    • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine , please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
    • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

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    How Many Tums Can You Take While Pregnant

    So, how often can you take Tums while pregnant and how many?

    Whatever Tum product is used during pregnancy, whether it is Tum Naturals, sugar-free, or extra strength, pregnant women should strictly stick to the dosage instructions and never exceed the 24-hour maximum dose that is stated for pregnant women.

    Suppose indigestion and pregnancy heartburn is still an issue after taking Tums. In that case, further medical advice should be sought as to whether prescription-only antacids can safely be taken until the symptoms pass.

    How Do Tums Effect Pregnancy

    Tums an over-the-counter antacid that uses calcium carbonate to neutralize the acid in the esophagus and stomach is effective in treating heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach . Registered Pharmacist Rami Khatib told Verywell Family that for pregnant women experiencing heartburn, Tums are a safe option at any point during pregnancy. Not only are they generally trusted, but they can also boost calcium levels . Pregnant women have a higher recommended calcium intake of 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg per day and the calcium carbonate in Tums can help women reach those goals.

    Like with most things, however, it’s all about moderation. Dr. Khatib told Verywell Family that pregnant women should be careful not to exceed 2,500 mg of calcium in a day, as too much calcium can cause constipation, kidney stones, and irregular heartbeat, as well as diminish the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals, like iron and zinc. It can also lead to low calcium in the baby. For that reason, it is recommended that pregnant women limit themselves to 15 regular strength Tums within a 24-hour period. Nevertheless, women with chronic kidney disease should first consult their doctors before taking Tums, as antacids can disrupt electrolyte levels in the body.

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