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.
What Are The Main Differences Between Pepto
Pepto-Bismol is the brand name for bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth has antimicrobial effects against certain diarrhea-causing bacteria while subsalicylate has antisecretory effects against fluid and electrolyte loss. Bismuth subsalicylate also has anti-inflammatory actions on the stomach and intestinal lining. For these reasons, Pepto-Bismol can be used as an antacid or antidiarrheal agent.
Pepto-Bismol is notably found as an oral liquid. However, it also comes in regular tablets and chewable tablets. Its important to note that, while most forms of Pepto-Bismol contain bismuth subsalicylate, Childrens Pepto-Bismol often contains calcium carbonate.
Tums is a brand name for calcium carbonate. Its considered a potent antacid that directly neutralizes stomach acid. Calcium carbonate reacts with stomach acid to form calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water. Because of excess carbon dioxide production in the stomach, belching and gas are common side effects of Tums.
Unlike Pepto-Bismol, Tums is mainly found as a chewable tablet in regular-strength and extra-strength forms. Tums is typically used by those older than 12 years old, but childrens versions of Tums are also available. Some versions of Childrens Tums contains simethicone to help relieve gas.
Tum Tum Tum Tum: Pregnancy Heartburn
Tums antacid can be safe and effective for heartburn during pregnancy, when used in moderation.
Oh my aching heart! There is nothing like the heartburn that comes with being pregnant. An old wives tale says that if you get it, it means your baby is growing lots of hair in there. But whats the real cause of it and more importantly, what can you do for relief?
Whats with the heartburn, anyways?
The condition is also known as acid indigestion or reflux. About 50% of pregnant people experience heartburn, usually in the second and third trimesters. The most common times to have it occur are after meals and at bedtime.
During pregnancy, we have an increase in the hormone relaxin. I love that name. It sounds like a really good herbal tea, or fancy kombucha softdrink, doesnt it? Its function is to, well, relax muscles, ligaments and joints in your body in preparation for birth, so that your pelvis can open to make space for baby.
But relaxin doesnt discriminate it affects your whole body. Including your digestive system. The sphincter that is supposed to keep things contained in your stomach gets a little loosey goosey, and sometimes lets stomach acids and contents flow back up into your esophagus.
I need relief!
So what can you do to combat pregnancy reflux?
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How To Reduce Heartburn During Pregnancy
You may reduce heartburn during pregnancy by managing your food, reducing fluid intake, and by chewing some gum after meals. They may not eliminate heartburn but perhaps can minimize it, allowing a better quality of life.
No Sensitive Food
Avoid caffeine, chocolate, acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, processed meats, mint products, and spicy, highly seasoned, fried, or fatty foods.
Reduce Fluids
Consider drinking fewer fluids when eating to avoid overproduction of stomach acids. Pregnant women are recommended to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Still, it may be better to sip it throughout the day.
Smaller Portion
Do not eat too much. Instead, eat small meals several times a day. Smaller meals do not require too much acid to digest, avoiding overproduction.
Gums
Chewing gum makes your salivary glands work, and saliva is alkali. This means saliva can help neutralize the acid somewhat.
Key Points To Remember
- GERD symptoms may not get better on their own. It’s important to treat GERD, because it can lead to more serious problems, such as inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.
- Most people can control symptoms of GERD with over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes.
- Stronger prescription medicines often work when over-the-counter medicines don’t.
- You may decide to have surgery if:
- Medicine doesn’t completely relieve your symptoms.
- Medicine works to stop your symptoms but for other reasons you can’t or don’t want to take the medicine.
- You have other symptoms, including asthma or hoarseness, that do not get much better with medicines.
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Can I Take Tum Tums While Pregnant
Asked by: Hellen Gaylord
TUMS provides safe heartburn relief for women who are pregnant. TUMS also adds calcium to your body. When you are pregnant, your body may need between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg of elemental calcium per day. Be sure to take TUMS at a different time than you take iron supplements.
Learn If This Medication Is Right For You
Tums is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, gas, and stomach upset. Learn when you could take this medication, how should it be used, possible side effects, and when your symptoms may suggest that something more serious is going on.
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Does Upper Stomach Hurt When Pregnant
Stomach pain is a common pregnancy complaint. Some people report pain in the upper stomach or upper abdomen during their third trimester. This pain may be sharp and shooting or a dull ache. Many of the causes of upper abdominal pain are harmless, but feeling intense pain here can signal a serious problem.
Drug Interactions Of Pepto
Pepto-Bismol can interact with many of the same medications that aspirin interacts with. Bismuth subsalicylate can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. When taken with anti-gout agents like probenecid, bismuth subsalicylate can decrease anti-gout effects. Pepto-Bismol can also decrease the absorption and effectiveness of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics.
Tums can decrease the effects of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Calcium cations can also bind with antifungals, like itraconazole, and decrease their absorption and effectiveness. Certain antibiotics, antifungal agents, and iron supplements should be avoided at least two hours before or after taking calcium carbonate.
Drug |
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.
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Tums During Pregnancy: Things Pregnant Women Should Remember When Taking Tums
You should always stick to the prescribed dosage of Tums unless your doctor tells you differently, especially since Tums contains calcium. Although calcium is an essential element during pregnancy, too much of it could cause the following side effects in pregnant women:
- It could cause kidney stones
- Irregular heartbeat
- Other minerals, such as iron, could have trouble getting digested
Tums and thyroid medicines have a modest risk of interaction. Hence doctors recommend taking a 4 hours gap before consuming these tablets. If youre taking an iron supplement, wait at least 2 hours between taking the iron tablets and taking Tums.
Besides Tums What Else Can I Take For Heartburn During Pregnancy
You may consider taking other antacids such as Rolaids, Maalox, Pepcid and Zantac . However, check with your healthcare provider before using any of these medications. Besides medication, eating smaller meals, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, drinking lots of water, unsweetened coconut water, and mint tea can also provide relief from heartburn.
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Can You Take Tums While Pregnant
You may take Tums when pregnant. This is because it is not a strong antacid compared to prescription-grade ones. Tums contain calcium carbonate that will help to neutralize the acid, relieving heartburn. However, constipation and flatulence may happen as side effects.
Heartburn and acid reflux can be common occurrences for pregnant ladies. This is because pregnancy-related hormones present in the body may interfere with and slow the gastrointestinal transit time. It means your food and acid production may not work in good sync.
Another reason is that as the fetus grows, it presses against the stomach and the junction where your stomach and esophagus meet. This may result in gastric acid and food entering the esophagus. The pain and burning sensation are what we recognize as heartburn or sour stomach.
For common folks, the first reaction is to simply chew on a few Tums, let the calcium carbonate manage the acid, and get on with life. But, for pregnant ladies might be unsure since they worry Tums may harm the baby inside them.
Generally, it is safe for pregnant ladies to take Tums, a fact confirmed by The American Pregnancy Association. In fact, calcium carbonate chewable tablets such as Tums taste well. They can even serve as a way to get calcium supplementation, which is important for pregnant mothers.
However, flatulence and constipation are common amongst pregnant mothers. This would mean that if that were to happen, it might not be caused by Tums.
Can I Use Pepto
Pepto-Bismol is not generally recommended for pregnant women due to a possible increased risk of bleeding. Tums may be taken occasionally for indigestion in recommended doses. However, its important for pregnant women to be aware of calcium intake since they may be taking other prenatal vitamins or supplements. Get medical advice from your healthcare provider if youre experiencing heartburn or indigestion while pregnant.
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How Can I Control Heartburn During Pregnancy
Prevention and Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy
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Focus On Liquid Foods
You should start implementing milkshakes, smoothies, soups, yogurts and puddings in your diet because these foods are a source of protein.
I hope you enjoy this guide I prepared for you so that in the future you would know when and how to take Tums while you are pregnant. Putting up this article is essential for me because I would like to ease your confusion and concerns regarding this medication. Remember all the points I made about Tums intake, how it is important and why you shouldnt take too much. Again, you can take Tums during your pregnancy but on moderation only.
If you like this article please let me know in the comment section below! If you have more questions, dont forget to write it down too!
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Home Remedies To Deal With Heartburn While You Are Pregnant
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:
What Are Symptoms Of Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling rising from the stomach to the chest and up to the neck. Symptoms may include a sense of fullness in the middle of the chest and a bitter taste in the mouth or throat. Sometimes heartburn may bring on chest pain that can be mistaken for the pain of heart disease, but it is important to note that heartburn is not related to the heart at all. If you are concerned about this pain, consult your doctor.
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Can Pregnant Women Take Tums Are They Safe
Pregnancy and preparing to welcome a new addition into your life comes with many changes. For nearly half of all pregnant women, this includes heartburn and a newfound appreciation for antacids such as Tums.
Tums are only one brand name for fruity-yet-chalky calcium carbonate tablets that are available in a variety of strengths and versions.
Note: For the purposes of this article, I will refer to all of them simply as Tums. Other antacid brands with the same ingredients can be treated the same way, for the purposes of pregnancy safety.
The main ingredients in original-style Tums are corn starch, calcium carbonate, coloring, flavoring, mineral oil, sodium phosphate, sugar/sweetener, and talc. For those who dont enjoy the chalky sensation of traditional Tums, the brand does produce chews, too.
Chewy Tums have a few more ingredients to give them their signature texture . All of these ingredients are safe to use when pregnant, and Tums as a whole are no different .
The main difference between all of the different products? The amount of the active heartburn-relieving ingredient, calcium carbonate. Tums 750 contains 750 mg of calcium carbonate, Tums 1000 contains 1000 mg of calcium carbonate, and so on.
Can You Take Tums While Pregnant Final Conclusion:
Although heartburn during pregnancy may be a genuine discomfort, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. You can receive some relief by altering your diet, staying upright after eating, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tums. Before taking an antacid, its always a good idea to see your doctor. If you have any negative side effects, stop taking Tums and it is recommended to contact your doctor.
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What Other Information Should I Know
If this medicine has been prescribed for you, keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response to calcium carbonate can be checked. Do not let anyone else take your medicine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Dosage And Frequency Of Tums
Like any other prescription or over-the-counter drug medicine, the dosage and frequency of Tums should ideally come from your doctor. That said, there are some general guidelines to follow when using Tums for heartburn during pregnancy.
Kimberly Langdon, MD, OB/GYN says Tums works best when taken frequently on the order of every 4 hours because it neutralizes the acid rather than preventing it from being released.
With that in mind, Langdon says expecting mothers can take a maximum of two tablets every 46 hours as needed for heartburn.
In general, most women will do fine at this dosage it may only be problematic in women with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, says Langdon.
Its important to talk to your OB/GYN about any over-the-counter meds you wish to take during pregnancy. When it comes to Tums, this discussion is especially crucial if you have a history of kidney stones.
Tums comes in a variety of strengths, and most of the recommendations for pregnancy refer to the regular strength, which is the lowest dose at 500 milligrams.
And according to the manufacturer, pregnant women shouldnt exceed 10 tablets in a 24 hour period, and for no longer than two weeks, except under the supervision of a doctor.
Unless your doctor says otherwise, you should always stick to the recommended dosage, especially since Tums has calcium.
Although calcium is a much-needed mineral during pregnancy, too much of it can lead to
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How Is This Medicine Best Taken
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.
Mixing Medications Or Supplements
It is worth noting that another important supplement pregnant women might be taking is iron, which should always be taken at least two hours before or after an antacid. Inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements you might be taking while using TUMS to avoid any unforeseen complications.
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What Can Happen If You Take Too Much Of Antacids
What can happen if you take too much of antacids? 7 Surprising Things That Can Happen If You Take Antacids Too Often Constipation. Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of excessive use of antacid, says Glatter. Muscle issues. Muscle twitching, generalized weakness, and even muscle tenderness and pain are the most common complaints, says Glatter. Respiratory issues. Risk of infections. Hypercalcemia. Kidney stones. Osteoporosis.
How many TUMS to take? Take 2-4 tablets unless otherwise directed if you are an adult. Most Tums products recommend taking doses of 2-4 tablets. However, some stronger products, like Tums Ultra, should be taken in doses of 2-3 tablets. When in doubt, read the label on your Tums product.
How much calcium does Tums have? Tums are calcium carbonate but so are egg shells, oyster shells and limestone. CaCO3. is made up of 40% calcium. It gets broken down during digestion and then reformulated into CaCO3 in the uterus .