Is Tums Safe While Pregnant

Do Not Take It As A Calcium Supplement

As what Ive discussed earlier, Tums has a fair amount of calcium that your fetus might need. You really need calcium for the fetuses bones to develop however, tums shouldnt be the supplement for calcium. To add more calcium in your body, dont just focus on taking Tums. Concentrate on adding foods which are rich in calcium in your daily diet. You can drink plenty of milk and eat foods with dairy products as ingredients.

Learn What Causes Heartburn For Youthen Avoid It

Fat, caffeine, chocolate, citruspregnant women with heartburn have been advised to avoid all of the above at one time or another. But what causes reflux in one woman might not be a trigger for another.

Rather than tell his pregnant patients to avoid a specific food, Dr. Richter says he advises them to stay away from foods that specifically aggravate them. Everybodys different, Dr. Richter says. Some pregnant women can chow down on spicy Mexican food or a plate of spaghetti and meatballs with no ill effects.

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What Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

People use the terms heartburn and acid reflux to mean the same thing. But they have different definitions:

• Acid reflux refers to the LES not tightening as it should. This allows the stomach acid to travel from your stomach up to your esophagus.
• Heartburn, the feeling of pain or burning in your chest, is a symptom of acid reflux.

Women may have acid reflux during pregnancy and experience heartburn due to changing hormone levels and the baby growing.

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Take Serious Action With Ranitidine

Doctors will be able to prescribe Ranitidine if your acid reflux doesnt give up. This is important if you constantly feel like you need the help of the medications mentioned above to help settle the heartburn. It is possible that rather than being acid reflux that it has become GERD, which is far more serious.

Ranitidine reduces the amount of acid that your body is able to make. The downside is that this can lead to some problems with digestion. Therefore, its given when GERD is a problem because this means too much acid is being produced.

Your doctor will want to keep the amount of the heartburn medicine you take to a minimum. It is usually given in tablet form and is a long term option.

Indigestion And Heartburn In Pregnancy

Indigestion, also called heartburn or acid reflux, is common in pregnancy. It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach.

You can help ease indigestion and heartburn by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, and there are medicines that are safe to take in pregnancy.

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Does Tums Really Work

Tums works as an antacid so it will relieve the heartburn in no time. An active ingredient in TUMS is Calcium Carbonate . Tums reduce the amount of gas in the stomach and intestines, provide a barrier to restrict the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, and neutralizing the acid in your stomach.

Based on the claim and the customers review, Tums is effective and works fast.

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What Makes It Better

For most women, things that help reduce acid production or prevent reux are helpful in avoiding the discomfort of heartburn. Here are tips that may help:

• Avoid classic spicy foods, as well as those with lots of fat or grease. Many people recommend avoiding citrus and chocolate, as well.

• Eat multiple, small meals spread throughout the day, much like grazing, instead of three big meals.

• Try elevating the head of your bed by several inches, and wait a while after eating before going to bed or lying down.

Some women find that its better to drink fluids between meals, rather than with a meal. This can increase the amount of contents in the stomach.

If your symptoms do not improve after the above recommended diet and lifestyle changes are in place, talk with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medicines. Antacids are available as chewable tablets and liquids. They work by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach and neutralizing stomach acid. Heartburn medicines called H2-blockers work by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach. Although most of these are considered safe in pregnancy, as with all medicines, these should be avoided in the first trimester.

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Can You Take Tums While Pregnant 6 Steps You Need To Know

Are you a first time? Do you have a lot of things in mind about what to take and what not during your pregnancy? Can you take Tums while pregnant? Well then, worry no more! In this article, Im going to explain what does Tums do to your body and how you should intake it.

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.

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

• increased risk of developing kidney stones
• irregular heartbeat
• possible trouble absorbing other minerals, such as iron

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Is Pepcid Ac Safe While Pregnant

Unless your doctor says otherwise, Pepcid is safe to take during pregnancy. Pepcid AC is relatively safe to take during pregnancy with no true risks unless youre allergic to this medication, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN and womens health expert at Providence Saint Johns Health Center.

Can I Take Over

Nonprescription heartburn relievers, such as Tums® or Maalox®, can help you feel better. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking antacids. They may contain high sodium levels, which can cause you to retain water. Some also have aluminum in them, which isnt safe to consume during pregnancy. Your provider can recommend an antacid thats safe during pregnancy.

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Your Question: Can You Take Antacid Chews While Pregnant

Tums are considered generally safe during pregnancy, and they can also provide additional calcium to pregnant women. However, it is still important to speak with a physician before taking Tums. While Tums is considered generally safe during pregnancy, Alka Seltzer may not be.

Make Sure You Understand The Dosage

You must speak with your doctor and have clear indications of health and to take medicine correctly. Make sure you understand the exact dosage and if you do not want to risk any mistakes ask the doctor to write all the instructions on a piece of paper.

Learn these instructions by heart because they will help you always to take the right dose of Tums. Always follow the instructions and never take any action regarding the dosage of medicines.Dosage is essential and taking too much, or too little medicine is very harmful to your health.

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Safe Medications During Pregnancy

Theres no doubt that along with the joys of pregnancy, women can and do experience uncomfortable side effects. If youre feeling under the weather, you may be wondering if over-the-counter remedies are safe for you and your baby. In most cases, its best to avoid OTC medications particularly in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. While some medications are safe to use in limited quantities, other medicines are known to increase the chance of birth defects or other problems.

If you have questions or are considering a medication thats not listed below, please reach out to your doctor for additional safety information. You should also call your doctor if you have a fever 100.4 F or greater, or if symptoms persist or worsen. The obstetrics specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group are here to help you weigh the risks and benefits of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.

Reasons To Avoid Antacids During Pregnancy

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

An antacid is not the only remedy for heartburn and acidity. You may try some safe natural remedies too.

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Talk To Your Doctor About Heartburn Medications

This includes over-the-counter ones some are safe to take during pregnancy.

Antacids help neutralize the acid in your stomach and quell that burning sensation. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health says OTC antacids containing calcium carbonate are safe to use.

If you havent been able to quiet your heartburn with lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest heartburn drugs like Tagamet and Prilosec, which are generally considered safe during pregnancy. While these drugs are available OTC, you might receive a prescription for a stronger dose if your doctor thinks its warranted.

When youre pregnant, you have to think about the safety of everything you put into and on your body. Some heartburn medications that might be OK for your nonpregnant sister but not for you include:

• Antacids containing sodium bicarbonate, which can increase swelling.
• Antacids containing aspirin, which can be toxic to your baby. Aspirin use during pregnancy has been associated with pregnancy loss, heart defects, and bleeding on the brain in premature infants.
• Antacids containing magnesium trisilicate, which havent been proven safe to use in pregnancy.

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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Is Tums Safe During Pregnancy: Tums For Heartburn During Pregnancy

Although certain exposure to chest X-rays, minor infections, chemicals, and some drugs during pregnancy have been proven harmless, pregnant women still have to be extra careful when taking medications to avoid risks and birth defects in their unborn child. Caution towards drug intake is especially significant since most drugs pass through the placenta.

Symptoms Of Indigestion And Heartburn

Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:

• a burning sensation or pain in the chest
• feeling full, heavy or bloated
• burping or belching
• feeling or being sick
• bringing up food

Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.

You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.

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Calcium Carbonate Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Warnings

Calcium carbonate is also known as: Alcalak, Amitone, Calcarb, Calci-Chew, Caltrate, Chooz, Nephro Calci, Os-Cal, Oysco 500, Oyster, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Calcium, Oyster Shell Calcium 500, Pepto Children’s, Titralac, Trial Antacid, Tums Antacid Naturals, Tums Chewy Bites, Tums Chewy Delights, Tums Extra Strength 750, Tums Kids, Tums Regular Strength, Tums Smoothies, Tums Ultra 1000

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 3, 2021.

How Many Tums Can I Take When Pregnant

There is no question that calcium is an important nutrient for bone health, both in mom and baby. Since Tums is made from calcium, any Tums you take will count toward the 1,300 mg daily recommended amount of calcium .

There is an upper limit of how much calcium per day is safe, however. It is best not to exceed 2500 mg of calcium per day .

The maximum number of Tums that you can take per day depends on the strength of the product. Original-style Tums are 40% calcium. There is an easy way to figure out how much calcium is in each tablet.

For example, say you took 1 Tums 500 tablet. Take 500 x 0.4 = 200 mg calcium

Do keep in mind, you are likely also getting some calcium from your diet, so it is best not to meet the 2,500 mg upper limit from Tums alone. To help you dose Tums, the brand offers a helpful pregnancy dosage guide on their website. You can find it here.

While there is a maximum as to how many Tums are safe to take each day, the tablets are still safe to use on a regular basis. If you have specific questions regarding how many Tums are safe for you and your baby, be sure to reach out to your medical provider or pharmacist for individualized advice.

It is also worth mentioning that taking Tums right before eating can block the proper absorption of other essential nutrients, such as iron and phosphorus.

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How Can I Control Heartburn During Pregnancy

Prevention and Treatment of Heartburn During Pregnancy

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How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Tums

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

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Heartburn While Pregnant What Is It

Heartburn is also known as indigestion. In this pathology, you feel a sensation of fire inside the stomach that also reaches the throat. While you are pregnant, heartburn is caused even by the hormonal and physical changes in your body.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces a hormone called progesterone, which affects the muscles of your uterus, allowing these muscles to be much more elastic and provide more space for the baby. This process of relaxation and the hormone significantly affect all the muscles of the digestive system and the muscular valve that divides the esophagus from the stomach.

This valve divides the esophagus and the stomach, but in some circumstances it can not be completely closed, and the gastric acids produced by the body and by the digestion manage to come out and reach the throat, creating the sensation of burning of the stomach.

What Happens If You Take Too Many Tums

Eating too many Tums may irritate your digestive tract and may cause side effects of nausea and vomiting. If you experience persistent vomiting or severe nausea, seek additional care from your physician. Constipation or Diarrhea. Constipation is a potential side effect associated with taking too much calcium carbonate.

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What Can You Take For Heartburn While Pregnant

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

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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.

Are There Safe Antacids To Take During Pregnancy

Antacids are the most common way to address pregnancy heartburn. When you take any medication during pregnancy, over the counter or not, you should talk to your doctor about it first. There are several different types of antacids available over the counter. Lets review what they are, if they work and any known risks.

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