What Is Safe To Take For Heartburn While Pregnant

Reduce The Risk Of Infant Atopic Eczema And Food Allergies

Eczema, recognized by red, itchy patches of skin, is a precursor to a variety of other conditions such as food allergies and asthma, so reducing or preventing it is very important.

We know that differences in a babys microbiome link to increased allergy risks, and research is supporting the use of probiotics to prevent eczema.

A large Meta-analysis reported that pregnant women given probiotics during as well as the initial postpartum period reduced eczema by 22%.

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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.

When Will It End

Heartburn symptoms are usually mild and manageable. Tell your healthcare provider if your heartburn is severe, if you spit up blood, or have dark-colored bowel movements. This is a sign of blood in your digestive tract. Fortunately, heartburn usually ends with the birth of your baby and your body goes back to its nonpregnant state.

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Was It Something I Ate

You expected the swollen ankles, the morning sickness, and the burgeoning breasts. But this burning indigestion? Whered that come from?

As the name implies, heartburn feels like a fiery churning that starts behind your breastbone and travels up your esophagus, a tube connecting your throat to your stomach. These acids can even make it all the way up your throat.

In addition to feeling a burning sensation which can last several minutes to several hours you may also:

• feel bloated
• have a sour taste in your mouth
• have a sore throat
• cough frequently

While the burrito you ate for dinner probably didnt help matters , the burning feeling you have has more to do with hormones than jalapenos.

45 percent of moms-to-be experience heartburn. And if you had heartburn before pregnancy, youre even more likely to have it during.

Heartburn can fire up, so to speak, at any point in pregnancy, but its most common during the second and third trimesters. Experts arent exactly sure what causes the smoldering, but they suspect its a three-pronged problem.

Heartburn Symptoms And Pre

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious, such as pre-eclampsia. A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia usually has high blood pressure and problems with her kidneys. Pre-eclampsia could also seriously affect a woman’s liver, blood and brain. Any pregnant woman can experience pre-eclampsia â almost 1 in 20 Australian women will develop it.

Because pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby, you should let your doctor know if your heartburn medicine is not working. This is especially important if you’re also feeling very unwell or you have:

• sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face
• a headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
• problems with your eyesight such as blurring or seeing flashing lights or dots
• a strong pain below your ribs

Find out more about how pre-eclampsia is treated here.

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Does Pregnancy Cause Heartburn

Pregnancy increases your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. During the first trimester, muscles in your esophagus push food more slowly into the stomach and your stomach takes longer to empty.

This gives your body more time to absorb nutrients for the fetus, but it can also result in heartburn.

During the third trimester, the growth of your baby can push your stomach out of its normal position, which can lead to heartburn.

However, each woman is different. Being pregnant doesnt necessarily mean youll have heartburn. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.

Relieving heartburn during pregnancy typically involves some trial and error. Lifestyle habits that can reduce heartburn are often the safest methods for mother and baby. The following tips may help relieve your heartburn:

Alternative medicine options include acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or guided imagery. Always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.

Which Medicines Can I Take

If lifestyle changes don’t provide you with relief, you may want to consider taking a medicine to help with your heartburn. It’s always important to check with your pharmacist or GP before taking any medicines during pregnancy.

Some types of antacids can be taken in pregnancy. These help neutralise excess acid, relieving symptoms. You can find antacids as chewable tablets or in liquid form. Check with your pharmacist which antacids are most suitable to be used in pregnancy.

If you’re still getting symptoms, or you’re vomiting frequently because of heartburn, it’s best to speak with your midwife or GP who will be able to offer you further advice.

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If You’re Taking Prescription Medicines

Speak to your GP if you’re taking medicine for another condition, such as antidepressants, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine.

Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless you’re advised to do so by your GP or another qualified healthcare professional who’s responsible for your care.

Diagnosis In The Pregnant Patient

As in the non-pregnant patient, the initial diagnosis of GERD in pregnancy can reliably be made based on symptoms alone. Barium radiographs are not necessary and should be avoided because of radiation exposure to the fetus. Oesophageal manometry and pH studies are rarely necessary during pregnancy but can be performed safely. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the procedure of choice to evaluate intractable reflux symptoms or complications. This procedure can be safely performed without harm to the mother or fetus by carefully monitoring blood pressure and oxygen and judicious use of conscious sedation and fetal monitoring., , Midazolam and diazepam are category D, fentanyl is category C and meperidine and propofol are category B drugs during pregnancy . Although not approved by the FDA for these indications during pregnancy, clinical experience suggests that these medications are safe with appropriate monitoring, particularly after the first trimester.,

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Is Prilosec Safe During Pregnancy

Prilosec is in a family of medications called proton pump inhibitors and it should be taken with caution during pregnancy. It has a category C rating. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , this rating means that it is not known whether a particular medication will cause harm to an unborn baby if the medication taken during pregnancy. This also means that, if possible, other alternative therapies should be tried.

Board-certified obstetrician and assistant professor at the New York University School of Medicine, Daniel Roshan, M.D., who specializes in high-risk fetal medicine, explains that while there are no known risks to the fetus, there are other medications that are safer for pregnant women. If you are taking Prilosec and find out that you are pregnant, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Dr. Roshan advises his pregnant patients against taking Prilosec in the first trimester, since it is classed as a category C, but Dr. Roshan says women can take it in the second and third trimesters, if necessary.

Nursing mothers should avoid breastfeeding while taking Prilosec, since omeprazole can pass into the breast milk and may harm your infant.

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How Can I Manage Symptoms Of Heartburn

You can carry out a few lifestyle changes as a pregnant woman that may help considerably with your symptoms:

Eat small regular meals. This avoids filling up your already squashed stomach. Take measured bites and drink slowly

Refrain from eating up to three hours before bedtime

Use two pillows to keep your head and shoulders above your chest when lying down to avoid acid going up the oesophagus

Avoid bending or stooping positions

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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.

When To Get Medical Help

See your midwife or GP if you need help managing your symptoms or if changes to your diet and lifestyle do not work. They may recommend medicine to ease your symptoms.

You should also see your midwife or GP if you have any of the following:

• difficulty eating or keeping food down
• weight loss
• stomach pains

Your midwife or GP may ask about your symptoms and examine you by pressing gently on different areas of your chest and stomach to see whether it’s painful.

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Clinical Presentation During Pregnancy

The symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy do not differ from the classical presentation in the general adult population. Heartburn is the predominate symptom and worsens as pregnancy advances. Regurgitation occurs in about the same frequency as heartburn. The majority of patients report exacerbation of symptoms with eating and at bedtime. Some patients will eat only one meal a day because of intense postprandial symptoms and others will need to sleep upright in a chair. Complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy, especially oesophagitis and stricture formation, are rare. This observation should not be surprising since the reflux of pregnancy is generally of short duration without a background of chronic GERD.

When Should I Talk To My Doctor

If you have heartburn that often wakes you up at night, returns as soon as your antacid wears off, or creates other symptoms , you may have a more serious problem that requires attention.

Your doctor may diagnose you with GERD. This means that your heartburn needs to be controlled to protect you from complications such as damage to the esophagus.

Your doctor may prescribe certain acid-reducing medications to reduce your symptoms. Research indicates that medications called H2 blockers, which help block the production of acid, appear to be safe.

Another type of medication, called proton pump inhibitors, is used for people with heartburn that doesnt respond to other treatments.

If youre concerned about the effects of medications, be sure to talk to your doctor. Doctors can help you control your symptoms while keeping your unborn child safe.

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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?

• Nightfoods Nighttime Ice Cream: the official ice cream of American Pregnancy Association and deliciously pregnancy friendly

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. .Mayo Clinic Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy. United States of America: Harper Collins.

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

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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Why Is Heartburn Common In Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to have indigestion because of:

Pressure on your stomach caused by the baby

The changing hormonal levels in your body

Stomach acid rising up due to the muscles between your stomach and throat relaxing

The growing uterus also moves up from the pelvis to push on the stomach in the upper abdomen. This leaves little space for the stomach to sit comfortably and can also force stomach acid to move into the oesophagus. This is experienced as heartburn.

Diet Nutrition And Lifestyle

What and how you eat can make all the difference with heartburn during pregnancy.

Try:

• Eating smaller meals throughout the day
• Making your main meal at lunchtime, which takes pressure off the digestive tract later in the day when the body is tired or ready for bed
• Avoiding food a couple hours before bed or a nap
• Sitting upright after eatinglying down can push stomach contents back up
• Propping your head up with a couple of pillows while sleeping

Avoid:

• Tight fitting clothes. They put even more pressure on your organs.
• Liquids while you eat. This dilutes your digestive juices, making them less effective.
• Eating the following aggravating acidic foods:
• Chocolate
• Caffeinated and sugar beverages, like tea, coffee, soda, etc.
• Onions
• Spicy, fatty, rich, and fried foods
• Fizzy drinks
• Large quantities of meat in one sittingthe body works harder if overloaded or too rich

Again, adding and subtracting certain foods and behaviors daily will help build a more balanced foundation for your wellness.

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Try Out Pepcid For Your Heartburn

One of the branded medications that you can take is Pepcid. This medication is commonly used for treating ulcers in the stomach, and it helps to balance out the amount of acid within the stomach and in the food pipe. It is very commonly recommended to those with GERD, which can flare up during pregnancy.

Since it doesnt cause other effects on your body, it is safe during pregnancy. In fact, doctors recommend it in many heartburn meddicine cases.

There are both liquid and tablet forms. Liquids tend to be the most favored and they may feel like they soothe on the way down. If you want to eliminate the problem completed, consider the above advice of taking a tablet with little water.

Is It Okay To Take Nexium While Pregnant

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized Nexium in the pregnancy category B. This category indicates Nexium is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. However, there have been some reports of fetal re-absorption and lethality in the embryo in animal studies. In these studies, animals were given between five to 56 times more Nexium than the average human dose.

Before using Nexium for acid reflux, schedule a meeting with your doctor to determine if using this medication while pregnant is safe for you and the growing fetus.

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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: