What Can I Do For Acid Reflux While Pregnant

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Heartburn During Pregnancy

What can I do about acid reflux during pregnancy?

If heartburn isnt going away, talk to your provider. They can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant.

You should also call your provider if you:

  • Have heartburn that wakes you up at night.
  • Have trouble swallowing.
  • Have black poop.
  • Are losing weight.

Heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack. If youve never had heartburn before and youre having chest pains, call your provider or head to the nearest ER.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Heartburn during pregnancy is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester. You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms. Before you take antacids, be sure to check with your provider for the safest option to take during pregnancy.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/29/2021.

References

How Acid Reflux Affects Your Sleep

So what’s the connection between acid reflux and sleep? As I can attest, heartburn is usually worse at night, and that can make falling asleep more difficult. “Most people are prone to acid reflux when they lie down,” says Scott Huber, MD, gastroenterologist at the Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. When you’re lying down, you don’t have gravity to pull acid back down into your stomach the way you do when you’re sitting or standing up, Huber explains.

According to an American Journal of Gastroenterology survey of 1,000 people with heartburn at least once a week, 79% of respondents said they experience heartburn at night. Three-quarters of nighttime heartburn sufferers said heartburn affected their sleep, while 63% said they believed heartburn negatively impacted their ability to sleep well, and 40% said they believed it made it harder to function the next day. Per the National Sleep Foundation, if you have acid reflux, you could very well wake up in the middle of the night with heartburnand you might even experience middle-of-the-night choking or coughing, depending on how far up your esophagus the acid travels.

Medicines For Indigestion And Heartburn

Medicines for indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy include:

  • antacids to neutralise the acid in your stomach
  • alginates to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by stopping the acid in your stomach coming back up your gullet

You may only need to take antacids and alginates when you start getting symptoms. However, your GP may recommend taking them before symptoms come on for example, before a meal or before bed.

If you’re taking iron supplements as well as antacids, do not take them at the same time. Antacids can stop iron from being absorbed by your body.

If antacids and alginates do not improve your symptoms, your GP may prescribe a medicine to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. 2 that are widely used in pregnancy and not known to be harmful to an unborn baby are:

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How To Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn or indigestion may not be new for you. You may have had it during your first trimester and then it went away. But now, it’s back. And you’re likely wondering why.

Many pregnant women have heartburn at some point. The hormone progesterone relaxes the ring-like sphincter at the base of your esophagus. This normally closes off entry to the stomach. When it doesnt close, food mixed with digestive enzymes can back up into your esophagus. The result: irritation and a burning sensation in your chest. And in the third trimester, you can also feel full because your growing uterus is putting pressure on your stomach.

Treatment Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

6 Tips To Relieve Acid Reflux While Pregnant  Penlights ...

If your heartburn wonât go away, see your doctor. They may prescribe or recommend OTC medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn usually disappears following childbirth.

Medications may include:

Over-the-counter antacids such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. These are generally safe to use during pregnancy. You may find that liquid heartburn relievers are more effective in treating heartburn, because they coat the esophagus.

H2 blockers. These medications block chemical signals that produce stomach acid. They include cimetidine and famotidine , and theyâre available in over the counter and prescription strengths.

Proton pump inhibitors . Like H2 blockers, these drugs help cut down on stomach acid. PPIs, which include lansoprazole and omeprazole , are available over the counter and by prescription.

If you take iron supplements, talk to your doctor before you take a PPI or H2 blocker. These medications can make the supplements less effective.

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Safe Home Remedies For Heartburn During Pregnancy

Home remedies are a great way to relieve discomfort caused by heartburn during pregnancy without using medication. Eating an apple or a pear, or taking a cup of milk, are some of the simplest but yet very effective natural remedies against heartburn that can be safely used during pregnancy.

However home remedies should not replace any type of treatment that has been advised by a doctor. They should only be used as a way to complement the treatment.

What Medications Are Safe To Take During Pregnancy

Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox may help you cope with occasional heartburn symptoms. Those made of calcium carbonate or magnesium are good options.

However, it may be best to avoid magnesium during the last trimester of pregnancy. Magnesium could interfere with contractions during labor.

Most doctors recommend avoiding antacids that contain high levels of sodium. These antacids can lead to a buildup of fluid in the tissues.

You should also avoid any antacids that list aluminum on the label, as in aluminum hydroxide or aluminum carbonate. These antacids can lead to constipation.

Finally, stay away from medications like Alka-Seltzer that may contain aspirin.

Ask your doctor for the best option. If you find yourself downing bottles of antacids, your heartburn may have progressed to gastroesophageal acid reflux disease . In that case, you may need a stronger treatment.

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Is There A Remedy For Heartburn During Pregnancy

Im in my second trimester. No matter what I eat, I get heartburn. Is this normal? If so, what can I do to feel better?Cari

Heartburn which, despite its name, has nothing to do with the heart is a common pregnancy complaint.

Many pregnant women experience a burning sensation in the throat and chest when the stomach contents move back up into the esophagus . This may be because hormones cause the valve at the entrance to the stomach to relax so that it doesnt close properly, allowing acidic stomach contents to move upward into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux , or acid reflux. It can get worse later in the pregnancy when the growing uterus presses upward on the stomach.

To help minimize the discomfort of heartburn:

  • Steer clear of certain foods and drinks that can make it worse citrus spicy, fatty foods caffeine and carbonated drinks.
  • Eat several small meals throughout the day.
  • Take your time when eating.
  • Drink fluids between not during meals.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Resist the urge to lie down after meals.
  • Elevate your head when sleeping.
  • Talk to your doctor about medications that can safely be taken for heartburn during pregnancy.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MDDate reviewed: April 2014

Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Does Heartburn During Pregnancy Mean My Baby Will Be Born With Hair

How I cured my pregnancy Acid Reflux !!!

Suffering from severe heartburn? You may want to stock up on baby shampoo. Research has backed up the superstition that, on average, the more heartburn you have during pregnancy, the more likely your baby will be born with a full head of hair.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Heartburn Or Acid Reflux

Heartburn feels like a strong burning sensation in the chest and can be extremely uncomfortable. It is also known as acid reflux and indigestion .

Heartburn can show itself as a discomfort , bloating, wind, burping and nausea. Youll be able to compare notes with a lot of other mum friends as up to eight out of ten pregnant women get heartburn .

Heartburn And Indigestion In Pregnancy

Heartburn causes a burning feeling in the chest or throat. Its uncomfortable, but is not usually harmful to pregnant women or their babies.

8 out of 10 pregnant women experience heartburn. You’re most likely to get heartburn in the third trimester of your pregnancy.

The symptoms of heartburn include:

  • a burning feeling in your chest or throat
  • acid coming up into your mouth
  • feeling sick

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Some Herbal Remedies For Acid Indigestion

It has been a really stressful week. All the deadlines are right around the corner, and I dont know where to start. Then on top of that, my stomach is in knots from all of those acid reflux episodes. Its times like these when I feel like nothing will ever get better. Theres no way that I can keep up with everything that needs to be done, and theres no way I can sleep peacefully either.

Acid indigestion is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The majority of people who experience this dont seek medical attention, but instead try herbal remedies for acid indigestion. There are many natural substances that have been used for centuries as remedies for this issue.

Acid-reflux disease is a painful and uncomfortable condition in which acid from the stomach back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. This happens when the LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, that separates the stomach from the esophagus does not work properly. If left untreated, acid-reflux can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of cancer from prolonged contact with acid.

What Makes It Worse

What Can You Take For Acid Reflux While Pregnant?

Most spicy, greasy, fatty foods known for causing heartburn are also likely to cause problems for pregnant women. Food doesnt digest as well or move as quickly during pregnancy. So, eating large meals or overeating in general can also increase the risk for heartburn. Eating right before bedtime can cause problems, too. Smoking makes heartburn worse and is another reason to quit, especially while pregnant.

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How To Stop Heartburn And Indigestion

Try the following as your first port of call.

  • Avoid large meals and eat smaller ones more often about every three hours.
  • No midnight feasts. Dont eat late at night or three hours before bedtime.
  • Avoid triggers like fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine and fizzy drinks or fruit juice. Keep a food diary to identify triggers
  • Raise the head of your bed by 10 cm to 15 cm, or sleep propped up on lots of pillows.
  • Avoid medication that may cause or worsen symptoms, if appropriate. Discuss it with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications
  • Stop smoking.

Heartburn During Pregnancy Remedies

Preventing heartburn is the best way to deal with it! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding heartburn:

  • Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
  • Wait an hour after eating to lie down
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods

If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural ways to relieve the symptoms:

  • Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk
  • Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk

Over-the-counter antacids may prove helpful in relieving your heartburn, but do not take antacids without speaking to your healthcare provider. Some antacids contain high levels of sodium, which can cause fluid buildup in body tissues. Some also contain aluminum, which is not considered safe for pregnancy.

If your heartburn is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication for you.

Want to Know More?

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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. Everybody’s 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.

What Is Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Home Remedies for Heartburn 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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Ways To Relieve Acid Reflux Without Medication

Image: Bigstock

A few lifestyle changes are worth trying before resorting to drugs for controlling gastroesophageal reflux.

If you are sounding a little hoarse and have a sore throat, you may be bracing for a cold or a bout of the flu. But if you’ve had these symptoms for a while, they might be caused not by a virus but by a valveyour lower esophageal sphincter. That’s the muscle that controls the passage between the esophagus and stomach, and when it doesn’t close completely, stomach acid and food flow back into the esophagus. The medical term for this process is gastroesophageal reflux the backward flow of acid is called acid reflux.

Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburnpain in the upper abdomen and chest that sometimes feel like youre having a heart attack.

Three conditionspoor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptyingcontribute to acid reflux, says Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Stomach: Taking Control of Your Digestive Health.

If you’ve been having repeated episodes of heartburnor any other symptoms of acid refluxyou might try the following:

Natural Ways To Relieve Pregnancy Heartburn

There isnt much that can be done about preventing the organic causes of heartburn during pregnancyhormones and babys growth are natural and wanted aspects of pregnancy. So what can you do?

First, its important to avoid over-the-counter options, like Zantac. Although some practitioners will tell you these conventional medications are safe during pregnancy, new research suggests they arent safe during pregnancy or ever. In fact, many big name storesCVS, Walmart, and Walgreens, to name a fewrecently pulled these drugs from their shelves over concerns that they contain cancer-causing agents.

The good news is most women with healthy, normal pregnancies will find easy, convenient, and effective measures to relieve heartburn discomfort naturally, including:

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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.

Talk To Your Doctor About Heartburn Medications

How to get rid of heartburn when pregnant naturally ...

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.

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Drinks That Can Prevent Acid Reflux

Managing and controlling the signs and symptoms of acid reflux or GERD is all about avoiding those substances that trigger the condition. Since acid reflux occurs right after you have consumed your food, it is quite simple to narrow down items that induce such a condition.

If you are searching for what to drink in acid reflux? here we discuss certain simple yet effective drinks for acid reflux that you can consume and get instant relief.

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