Can I Chew Tums While Pregnant

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Here are some things you need to be careful about, if you do take Tums when pregnant:

  • While talking to your doctor about taking Tums, make sure you get the dosage right. There is a good chance that the dosage you need to take now is different from the dosage you would have taken when not pregnant. Try to keep track of how many tablets you should take in a day, and do not exceed the dosage under any circumstance. Always consult your doctor for any change that you might want to make, for example, if youre feeling like the medicine isnt really working.
  • Now that you know these has a large amount of calcium in it, do not start thinking of it as a sort of calcium supplement, because it isnt. Upping the dosage of it during your pregnancy because your body requires more calcium will do more harm than good. Instead, focus on adding more calcium rich foods to your diet. If your body is still falling short on calcium, get your doctor to prescribe some calcium supplements.
  • Tums is a serious no-no for anyone with kidney problems. Even if you dont have any kidney problems but have been placed on high risk for chances of developing them, you must stay away from Tums. This is because the calcium present in Tums could lead to stones forming in your kidneys.
  • Tums could possibly lead to teratogenicity. If taken in the first trimester, it could potentially lead to a condition known as teratogenicity .

Additionally, Tums could also cause the following side effects during pregnancy:

Why Do I Feel Burning In My Stomach While Pregnant

Pregnancy Heartburn or Indigestion Heartburn is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down your digestive system, weaken the stomach sphincter, and your uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.

Do Tums Help Acid Reflux And Gerd

TUMS treats heartburn, which is triggered by stomach acid that “refluxes” back into the esophagus. GERD is also an acid reflux-related condition, but it generally has more severe symptoms and occurs more frequently. You should speak to your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of GERD and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include daily use of prescription medication.

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Heartburn Symptoms Common In Pregnant Women

Expecting mothers may have never experienced indigestion or heartburn symptoms before becoming pregnant, yet 70 to 80% of pregnant women eventually do experience these symptoms. This is due to a hormone called progesterone created by the placenta, which relaxes certain uterus muscles that otherwise work to separate the esophagus from the stomach. Gastric acids are eventually freed to work upward causing the heartburn symptoms and discomfort.

Home Remedies To Deal With Heartburn While You Are Pregnant

Pregnant Woman

Instead of using Tums pills or other dr*gs that are potentially harmful to you and your baby, you can use natural remedies to defeat heartburn. Here are the natural remedies that are famous for this disorder.

However, if the trouble continues, you should consult your doctor and ask for a specific cure, do not insist on natural remedies if you notice no improvement.

Here are the main natural remedies for heartburn:

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What Can I Take For An Upset Stomach While Pregnant

People often get stomach upsets and diarrhea during pregnancy, but is it safe to take Pepto-Bismol for these symptoms when pregnant or breastfeeding? Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve an upset stomach, heartburn, and diarrhea. It is usually safe to use when not pregnant.

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Avoid Having Too Many Fluids During Meals

Drinking during a meal is normal, but it can cause problems. You must try not to drink too much liquid during the meal .

Ingesting too much fluid while eating will stretch your stomach and make you more prone to gas and fluttery. While eating, always try to drink water in small sips and never too quickly.

Also, try to avoid drinking and chewing together, first chew and swallow the food and then drink. Try to avoid drinking carbonated drinks during meals because they will swell the stomach, limiting the consumption of alcohol and try to drink water at room temperature, not too cold and not too hot.

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What Can I Take For Heartburn While Pregnant Besides Tums

If TUMS dont work for you, there are other options.

Acid reducers such as Zantac should be safe to use during pregnancy.

Proton pump inhibitors might also be appropriate, particularly if you are suffering from very frequent heartburn.

Its always worth talking to your doctor about which option will be best for you.

Other things that can help with heartburn while youre pregnant?

  • Minimize your intake of foods that are high in acid, like citrus fruits and vinegar
  • Keep the coffee and chocolate to a minimum
  • Try to avoid overly processed, highly seasoned, and very fatty foods
  • Ditch the chewing gum, particularly just after eating
  • Leave a gap between dinner and bedtime

We hope you get some relief.

More from The 411:

Can You Take Tums While Pregnant How Many Is Safe

What I Eat in a Day: While Pregnant

Pregnancy and heartburn are quite the iconic pairing. For this reason, Tums can be an expecting mothers best friend, helping to settle the stomach and stop reflux symptoms.

When dosed according to the manufacturers instructions, Tums are both safe and effective when pregnant. Tums are an effective way to take control over pregnancy-related heartburn and reflux.

As a medication, Tums can interact with certain nutrients in the body. Read on to learn how Tums can affect nutrient absorption, how to get around this, and even what to do if you are still feeling heartburn have maxed out on Tums for the day.

Covered in this Article:

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Is It Normal To Be Sick All Day When Pregnant

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, often known as morning sickness, is very common in early pregnancy. It can affect you at any time of the day or night, and some women feel sick all day long. Morning sickness is unpleasant, and for some women it can significantly affect their day-to-day life.

How Do Antacids Work

The stomach generates acids to break down the food into digestible substances that are absorbed by the intestines. But an imbalance in the production of stomach acids could cause heartburn and acidity. Antacids help control the production of excess stomach acids and restore the balance thus giving you relief from sour stomach, indigestion, heartburn, and tummy upset.

They also help treat stomach pain, duodenal ulcers and reduce gas .

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Dont Treat Tums Like Candy

As with most things, moderation is key. According to the manufacturers website, pregnant individuals are advised to limit themselves to a maximum of 15 TUMS Regular Strength 500 within any 24 hour period. The maximums differ from product to product, so be sure to read the bottle carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Dr. Clark suggests keeping an eye on intake and symptoms. If you find you are using TUMS daily or they do not relieve your symptoms, be sure to let your obstetrical care provider know.

But if TUMS arent working to relieve your symptoms after a while, dont fret. It may be time to consider alternative therapy for your symptoms of GERD, like a prescription medication, says Dr. Clark.

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Reasons To Avoid Antacids During Pregnancy

Can You Take Tums While Pregnant

Though not serious or rampant, antacids could lead to the below problems during pregnancy.

  • Water retention: As mentioned earlier, antacids contain sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate that retains water in the body. It could lead to swelling of the feet, hands, and ankles. If you already have swelling in the later part of your pregnancy, then this makes the problem worse .
  • Kidney stones: If you take calcium antacids regularly, the excess calcium cannot be absorbed by the body and hence passes into the bladder, causing kidney stones .
  • Food sensitivity or intolerance: When you take antacids, food may not be broken completely and could leave the proteins undigested. This could trigger the immune system and turn the proteins into allergens, leading to food intolerances .
  • Alters iron absorption: Calcium in antacids can interfere with iron absorption . Therefore, if you are taking antacids regularly, then you need to take the iron supplements after a gap. If you take both together, it could hinder the absorption of iron and lead to iron deficiency.
  • Overly alkaline: Constant intake of antacids could make the body tissues alkaline. It provides the ideal environment for the formation of kidney stones.
  • An antacid is not the only remedy for heartburn and acidity. You may try some safe natural remedies too.

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    Calcium Carbonate Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Warnings

    Calcium carbonate is also known as: Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews , Calcarb, Calcitab, Calcium Oyster, Caltrate, Chooz, D-Cal, Os-Cal, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Calcium, Oyster Shell Calcium 500, Pepto Children’s, Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Super Calcium, Titralac, Tums Chewy Bites, Tums Extra Strength 750, Tums Regular Strength, Tums Smoothies, Tums Sugar-Free, Tums Ultra 1000

    Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 3, 2020.

    Is It Safe To Take Tums When Pregnant

    Yes, Tums is safe for pregnant women, but only when its potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. The US FDA has classified the medicine under category C drugs, which means animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus but the drug has not been tested on humans .

    • Belching
    • Frequent urge to urinate

    You need to be cautious, and keep a few things in mind when taking Tums during pregnancy.

    • Avoid taking Tums if you have a history of kidney disorder or parathyroid gland disorder. Tums, which is high in calcium content, might lead to kidney stone formation and imbalance the calcium levels in the body .
    • Ask your doctor about the right dosage to take to prevent side effects. Do not exceed the required dosage.
    • Taking Tums for heartburn can increase your calcium intake, but the medication should not be used as a calcium supplement during pregnancy.

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    Ideal Dosage Of Tums During Pregnancy

    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 .

    How Can I Control Heartburn During Pregnancy

    What I EAT In A Day: While Pregnant

    Prevention and Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy

  • Eat several small meals each day instead of three large ones.
  • Eat slowly.
  • Avoid fried, spicy, or rich foods or any foods that seem to cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of heartburn.
  • Drink less while eating.
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    Or Inquire About Proton Pump Inhibitors

    If other medications dont help, there are also proton pump inhibitors , such as Prevacid. These have a more powerful acid-suppressing effect than H2 blockers, and most are available over the counter.

    Although PPIs are, in general, safe for pregnant women, animal studies have raised concerns that omeprazole could harm a developing fetus, Dr. Richter says. My recommendation to patients would be to avoid that one because there are about five or six out there on the market, with the H2 blockers, he says. All of them look to be safe during pregnancy.

    Be sure to discuss any medications with your doctor.

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    Can You Use Tums In Pregnancy

    Tums is an over-the-counter , calcium-carbonate antacid that many people use to manage the symptoms of heartburn.

    Using Tums in pregnancy is something that many OB/GYNs have been prescribing for years, says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, OB/GYN lead at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.

    For pregnant women, Ruiz says it does two things:

    • provides supplemental calcium for mom and baby
    • treats pregnancy heartburn

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    Check What Triggers Heartburn

    Take note of what you eat whenever you suffer from heartburn and anything that can increase your symptoms. Sometimes it is enough to eliminate certain foods from the diet to overcome this problem.

    Start a diary where you will record everything you eat so you can pinpoint precisely what heartburn has triggered, recording what you eat, portions, cooking method, sauces and side dishes.

    Do not forget to record everything you drink during the day, as drinks can also cause heartburn.

    Remember that every food is different and something that has never given you problems could generate heartburn or vice versa so in case of indigestion do not immediately eliminate the food from your diet but always consult a doctor before any personal initiative.

    Discuss H2 Blockers With Your Doctor

    Heartburn During Pregnancy: Causes and Remedies

    If an antacid isnt working, it may be time to consider stronger medications.

    Your first option will likely be an H2 blocker like Tagamet or Zantac. These drugs suppress stomach-acid production. All four H2 inhibitors on the market are now available without a prescription and considered to be safe during pregnancy. But talk to your doctor before taking them.

    They really work, says Einarson. You only have to take one or two a day.

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    What Medications Can I Take For Heartburn During Pregnancy

    Its important to be extremely careful about the medications you take when pregnant.

    For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy.

    As always, consult with your provider about any medications youre taking even if theyre considered safe.

    If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, call your doctor immediately.

    What Can You Take For Heartburn While Pregnant

    So now for the burning question: Is TUMS safe to take during pregnancy?

    Youll be pleased to know that the answer is yes! Phew.

    TUMS works by neutralizing the acid in your stomach so that it doesnt cause you discomfort.

    And guess what? They have an added bonus.

    They also add calcium to your diet, which youre in extra need of right now. Win-win.

    During pregnancy, you need at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day. Each TUMS tablet contains 200mg, making it that much easier to reach your quota.

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    What Can I Take For Pregnancy Heartburn Besides Tums

    Women often wonder if there is anything they can do to prevent or minimize the chances of the unpleasant experience of heartburn during pregnancy. Luckily for expecting mothers, there are a number of small lifestyle modifications that can help.

    • Remain upright after eating: Sitting up or standing lets gravity do some of the heavy lifting to keep reflux at bay. If you need to lay down, try propping your torso and head up with some pillows.
    • Eat smaller meals: Smaller meals digest more quickly, lowering the likelihood of heartburn and reflux.
    • Limit spicy and acidic foods: While this might be a tough sell for anyone with pregnancy cravings for acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, or chocolate, it should come as no surprise that acidic foods can aggravate the stomach.
    • Limit greasy/fried foods: Similar to acidic foods, greasy and heavily fried foods can also cause GI upset. The fat content in these foods can also slow digestion, which can cause reflux symptoms.

    Tums also isnt the only brand on the market. Other popular brands that offer calcium carbonate antacids include Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, and even store/generic brands. Pepto-Bismol and Maalox are also antacids, though use different active ingredients.

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    Dont Use Tums As A Calcium Supplement

    What can I do about acid reflux during pregnancy?

    Tums has a lot of calcium inside but never make the mistake of using it as a calcium supplement while youre pregnant. Obviously, the calcium you have to take when youre pregnant is higher than an un-pregnant woman but using Tums as a supplement is not the best choice regarding health and safety.

    When you are pregnant you need about 1300mg of calcium daily, and you do not have to use Tums as a calcium supplement, but eat foods that are naturally rich in calcium, such as milk or all dairy products.

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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.

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