What To Avoid If You Have Acid Reflux While Pregnant
Knowing what foods and lifestyle choices trigger acid reflux can be beneficial in preventing it in the first place. Below are just some of the things you should avoid when dealing with heartburn during pregnancy.
- Avoid eating big meals throughout the day. Acid reflux gets worse with undigested food. To avoid putting stress on your stomach, avoid eating big meals and eat smaller meals throughout the day instead. Divide three big meals into five or seven smaller meals to help your body digest the food properly.
- Dont exercise. Exercise can put stress on the body and worsen acid reflux symptoms. To prevent flare-ups, stick to low-stress exercise like walking. Ask your doctor for exercise recommendations. Read more in our post: Does Working Out Make Acid Reflux Worse?
- Refrain from snacking too close to bedtime. Lying down after a meal is one of the fastest ways to trigger acid reflux. Snacking close to bedtime also has the same effect. To prevent late night heartburn, sit up for at least 2 hours after your meal to prevent the food from traveling back up the esophagus.
- Avoid citrusy and high fat foods. Foods high in fat and citrus content can also trigger acid production. Stay away from citrusy foods and foods high in fat to avoid trigger heartburn and acid reflux.
- Skip the coffee. Coffee is an acidic beverage, which could contribute to your acid reflux. Skip the morning coffee, as well as the orange juice. Stick to beverages without any caffeine content.
What Is Pregnancy Heartburn
Stomach upset is a common symptom during pregnancy, as is acid reflux. In addition, pregnant women are more susceptible to GERD because of hormonal changes that occur at different stages of pregnancy.
These hormones plus increased pressure in the abdomen can prevent the valve at the top of the stomach from closing correctly. This, in turn, allows the stomachs contents, including stomach acid, to spill out into the esophagus and cause frequent heartburn.
Pregnancy heartburn is at its worst during the advanced stages of pregnancy because of the increasing pressure that builds in the uterus, which affects the entire abdomen.
However, if you take iron supplementation for anemia during pregnancy, know that iron can contribute to stomach upset and heartburn. If so, you may have to balance taking the iron with the heartburn, e.g., skipping alternate days to take it, for example.
Can You Take Heartburn Medicine While Pregnant
Tums and Alka Seltzer are two brand-name, over-the-counter medicines frequently used to treat heartburn. Can you take Tums while pregnant? Can you take Alka Seltzer while pregnant? What should pregnant women know about heartburn and the medicines used to treat it? First and foremost, more than half of all pregnant women say they have symptoms of severe heartburn. Heartburn causes a burning pain in the chest and upper abdomen, and it can be a symptom of whats called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Heartburn seems to be most common during the second and third trimesters. Heartburn is a burning sensation which is caused by contents of the stomach that moves back upward. Severe heartburn can be incredibly uncomfortable and can create complications in severe circumstances. Medical professionals and researchers believe that heartburn is so common during pregnancy because of the changes in hormones that occur. Hormonal changes can affect digestive tract muscles and also food tolerance. Its also possible that hormones related to pregnancy can cause part of the stomach muscles to relax which allows more stomach acids to move into the esophagus. An enlarged uterus may also play a role by pushing stomach acids upward.
Do you or someone you love have questions or concerns about a pregnancy and dont know where to turn for help? Get support and answers at theAmerican Pregnancy Association at 1-800-672-2296.
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Can I Take Tums While Pregnant For Nausea
And sometimes that stomach acid gets really ambitious and does more than cause heartburn.
Enter pregnancy nausea.
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.
When Can I Expect Heartburn To End
Someday, scientists may very well invent a miracle medication that promises permanent pregnancy heartburn relief. Unfortunately, that hasnt happened yet.
So, if youre wondering how long you can expect to deal with heartburn while youre pregnant, it will probably be throughout your entire pregnancy.
However, just because theres no cure, that doesnt mean you cant find some relief in the meantime.
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How Many Tums Are Too Many
Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. When using this product: Do not take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours. If pregnant, do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Is Tums safe in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, do not use antacids that have sodium bicarbonate , because they can cause fluid buildup. It is okay to use antacids that have calcium carbonate .
What can I take for severe heartburn while 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.
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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Can I Take Pepcid And Tums Together During Pregnancy
Sometimes Tums just are not enough to eliminate acid reflux or heartburn. Pepcid, the brand name for famotidine, is another common over-the-counter heartburn relief medication. Pepcid belongs to the H2-blocker drug class, meaning that it works to reduce reflux by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Tums works differently than Pepcid. Instead of decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach, Tums neutralizes the acid already present in the stomach . Because these two medications work differently, it is safe to use them at the same time .
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:
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Weight loss
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Pain or cramps in your lower belly, side, or back
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Severe diarrhea that doesnt go away
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New or worsening nausea or vomiting
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Fever
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Blood in your stool or stools that are very dark
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Which Antacids Are Safe During Pregnancy
Antacids that are calcium-carbonate-based are safe to take.
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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 Take Antacids During Pregnancy
It depends on the type of antacid you take. While some are considered safe, some others are not recommended. The safe antacids during pregnancy are:
- Those containing aluminum salts.
- Antacids with calcium carbonate and those having magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide . They neutralize stomach acids and help relieve pain and discomfort.
- Syrups are preferred to tablets as they quickly dissolve and give instant relief.
In severe cases, your doctor may additionally prescribe acid blockers or H2 blockers that reduce the acid production in your stomach.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking the medication as some might interfere with other medicines. Also, you should be taking them only occasionally .
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Effects Of Heartburn Medicine On A Fetus
There arent any known risk factors for a fetus if Tums is used during pregnancy. When it comes to heartburn medicine, safe options generally include formulations with calcium carbonate or magnesium. If an antacid contains aluminum, it should be avoided during pregnancy. So what about the effects of Alka Seltzer while pregnant? Many formulations of Alka Seltzer contain aspirin. Aspirin is an NSAID and NSAIDs are not considered safe during pregnancy. If any formulation of Alka Seltzer is used that contains aspirin, it can cause serious effects on a fetus.
The use of NSAIDs during pregnancy can lead to serious heart and lung problems or death. If a form of Alka Seltzer is used with aspirin, it can cause premature closing of a heart passageway in the fetus. Using aspirin while pregnant can also lower the levels of amniotic fluid. The risk of heart problems is more significant if the NSAID is taken after the 30th week of pregnancy. If an NSAID is taken during the early weeks of pregnancy, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. If an Alka Seltzer formulation doesnt contain aspirin or another NSAID, it may be safe during pregnancy, but you should read all ingredients and also speak to your healthcare provider. Some forms of Alka Seltzer such as Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Relief may also have ingredients like chlorpheniramine, which is a decongestant. This can also be dangerous for a fetus. Its a good rule of thumb overall when pregnant to avoid combination medications.
Milk Of Magnesia Or Other Laxatives
We generally do not recommend laxatives for pregnant women, although providers may recommend them under special circumstances. We are cautious with laxatives because their regular use can make your intestinal system dependent on them. Of special concern during pregnancy, laxatives can cause intestinal cramping that may be hard to differentiate from preterm labor.
That said, you are not alone in dealing with constipation during pregnancy. Many pregnant women have it, to varying degrees, and we have several suggestions that may help relieve the problem. Our first recommendation is to drink more fluidsabout three quarts a day. Most of that should be water. Fiber-rich foods also are good for reducing constipation. Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread , brown rice, oat bran, and beans .
If you increase fluids and fiber in your diet and still have problems, then you can try a supplement, such as fiber pills or fiber powders that can be mixed with liquid. These steps will relieve most pregnancy-related constipation.
However, if you still need help after these measures, try a stool softener, such as Colace. Stool softeners are available without a prescription. If that also fails, talk with your provider about laxatives, including Milk of Magnesia. Yes, Milk of Magnesia is safe and will quickly fix the problembut it isn’t the best long-term solution during pregnancy for the reasons we described above. So, we prefer it far down the list of strategies.
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Natural Alternatives To Antacids
Natural measures could help treat and prevent indigestion and heartburn effectively. Here are some alternatives you may try:
- Skimmed milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses
- Fermented vegetables including sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and miso
- Apple cider vinegar . Drizzle a few drops over a salad or mix a couple of drops in a glass of water.
In addition to using natural remedies, you may take some care while eating food:
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.
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What Noises Does Your Stomach Make When Pregnant
As you bendy baby wriggles and jiggles about, some experts believe that the popping noise could be caused by the fluid moving around inside the amniotic sad. As your uterus moves around inside you, usually because you are being poked and prodded by you baby’s stretching limbs, air moves around causing a popping sound.
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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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.
What Do You Need To Know About Tums
Tums is a type of antacid which is a combination of calcium carbonate and sucrose. This is usually a medication for heartburns. The Tums are available as chewable and regular tablets.
If you are pregnant right now, you might be experiencing discomfort namely heartburn or indigestion. This discomfort is not harmful but it is very uncomfortable. Heartburn or acid indigestion is a burning sensation that can be felt from the breastbones bottom to the lower throat. It is mainly caused by physical and hormonal changes in your body. Antacids can provide safe and fast relief to this discomfort.
During your pregnancy, your placenta produces progesterone or a hormone that soothes your smooth uterus. It helps in stretching your uterus too so that the unborn baby will have a bigger space for its growth and development. If progesterone relaxes the muscle, though, it also relaxes your digestive tract. This leads to heartburn.
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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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